Lazio boss Simone Inzaghi says he understands that his club may have to sell midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, who remains a summer transfer target for Manchester United .
The 24-year-old Serbian has been one of the hottest properties in Serie A over the last few seasons, and has been suggested as a possible replacement for Paul Pogba at United should the Frenchman join Real Madrid .
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to be a keen admirer of the midfielder, and there were reports that Milinkovic-Savic's agent - the former Chelsea striker Mateja Kezman - had flow to the UK to discuss a deal that could cost United between £70million and £90million.
Speaking prior to Lazio's friendly with Mantova on Saturday - a 4-0 win in which Milinkovic-Savic scored the third - Inzaghi reiterated that he wanted the midfielder to stay, but was prepared to lose him.
“My thoughts are that I’d like Milinkovic-Savic to stay, but I also believe the club has to consider offers when they come in and then make a decision,” he told reporters, via Football Italia .
“We know that if he was to leave, we’d have some important shoes to fill. I hope he remains, he had a great pre-season training camp, but the market is open and we are ready for any situation.
“Milinkovic will play today’s friendly against Mantova. If he were to leave, we’d need a physical figure to come in to the midfield. Purchases are targeted, chosen together with the club, we sat down and talked calmly.
“Milinkovic is 24 years old now, he’s no longer a kid. I can give him advice, he is at our disposal and hasn’t missed a training session, but then I don’t know what will happen. I hope he stays.
“If an important offer arrives, it is only right that the club take it into consideration.”
