According to reports in Italian media outlet Il Messaggero, via Sport Witness, Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho believes that Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic could be the ideal replacement for Marouane Fellaini if the Belgian leaves Old Trafford.
What's the word, then?
Well, Il Masseggero, via Sport Witness, say that a Red Devils scout watched the 22-year-old midfielder in action in his side's Serie A match against Sampdoria on Sunday, and he certainly would have been impressed with what he saw as the Serbia international scored the equaliser, before his driving run and cut-back eventually fell to Felipe Caicedo to net the winner in a 2-1 victory.
Il Masseggero, via Sport Witness, adds that Lazio aren't willing to sell the 6ft 4in player on the cheap though, and could demand around €100m (approximately £88.4m right now) if they are to sell the midfielder.
The report adds that while a deal is unlikely in January, the Serie A outfit could struggle to hold on to one of their key players next summer.
How has Milinkovic-Savic done this season?
The Spanish-born player has been a regular in the Lazio side and has chipped in with five goals and a further two assists in 18 appearances in all competitions.
While the majority of his outings have come in a central midfield spot, the 22-year-old has also played in a more attacking central role while he even played as a No 10 in the Supercoppa Italiana final against Juventus back in August.
Would he be a good Fellaini replacement?
He certainly would be.
The Serbia international has proven that he is versatile and can make a big impact at both ends of the pitch – much like the big Belgian – while the fact that he stands at 6ft 4in tall shows he has the strength and physicality to be a success in the often robust Premier League.
According to Squawka, Milinkovic-Savic has made 14 interceptions and 12 clearances in 13 Serie A appearances this season, while he has shown his ability in the air by winning 30 aerial duels and his skill on the ball by successfully completing 24 of the 41 take-ons he has attempted.
What's the verdict, then?
Well, there is little doubt that the 22-year-old could be the perfect Fellaini replacement, but his high price tag could be a problem for Manchester United given that he hasn't actually achieved too much in his career so far.
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