4 Alternatives to Sergej Milinković-Savić for Manchester United

Sergej Milinković-Savić is a name that has dominated the transfer news for some time now. It is clear that he had a good season with Lazio in Serie A as his 14 goals and 6 assists in 2017/18 speak for that.

The Serbian is a complete midfielder, he can dribble, he is a creative player as well as he is good with providing through balls. His 6'4 height gives him a good aerial ability and it also helps his dominate the midfield physically and provide defensive contribution as well.

Thus it is no wonder that he has been linked with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Barcelona and Juventus. All these teams are keen to strengthen their midfield as considering Serjej's qualities he would be a wonderful addition to any team.

But considering the competition and the fact the high fee Lazio are demanding for the midfield general, the Red Devils should turn their attention to someone else. Also, they had a bid rejected for the Serbian and according to reports they have pulled out of the race for the Lazio star.

Though Manchester United have already signed Fred and Fellaini has also agreed for a contract extension, but they still need midfield enforcement to catch up with Manchester City and cope up with the departure of Micheal Carrick.

Here are 5 players Manchester United should target instead of Savic-

#1 Thiago (Bayern Munich)

Manchester United would face competition from Manchester City for Thiago.

The Spanish international joined Bayern Munich from Barcelona and initially struggled with injuries, but now he has finally found his stride and he has been one of the best central midfielder's right now.

The former Barca midfielder has good dribbling skills and he is a creative player as well he can play as a No.10 just behind the striker or a deep-lying central midfielder as well.

Manchester United are on red alert after reports emerged that he has told the Bavarian giants he wants to leave the Allianz Arena this summer. The Red Devils are likely to face competition from local rivals Manchester City, who are also interested in the player.

Though he may not provide the physical presence that Sergej could but he definitely provides more creativity than him and currently Manchester United don't have a player who can play as a deep-lying creative midfielder. Thus he could be the perfect deep-lying midfielder for them.

#2 Mateo Kovačić (Real Madrid)

Kovacic admits he may leave Real Madrid to play more football.

The Croatian just at the age 24 is a proven winner as he has already won 3 Champions League and 1 La Liga. He has been often compared with Croatian compatriot and Real Madrid teammate Luka Modric as well, due to his style of play being similar to Modric.

Though he is not a regular for the Los Blancos, he has been impressive whenever called upon and has provided good cover for his Real Madrid teammates.

Kovacic has already admitted that he could leave the Bernabeu in the summer to get more playing time on the pitch and according to reports Jose Mourinho has ordered United's chief's to trigger his release clause which is somewhere around £44.2 million in his current contract as he looks to beef up his midfield.

If it is true that his release clause is £44.2 million then financially he is a better option, also he has proven his quality season after season in a top league like La Liga, unlike Sergej.

#3 Lorenzo Pellegrini (AS Roma)

Jose is targeting Lorenzo Pellegrini as an alternative to Savic.

Lorenzo Pellegrini has proved to a great business done by Roma. They sold their academy product to Sassoulo and inserted a buy-back clause and in 2017 they brought him back. Since then he hasn't looked back and has continued to thrive at the Stadio Olimpico

He is just 22 years old and is a good dribbler with the ball and he has shown good technique and elegance on the ball. He has a knack for long balls and his excellent vision helps in making good penetrative passes.

According to The Sun, Jose Mourinho is targeting the youngster as an alternative to Savic as he believes that his price will rise as the bidding war goes on.

Like Savic, Pellegrini is also a good dribbler on the ball and compared to Savic he is likely to cost less than him and Jose Mourinho already views him as an alternative to Savic as well.

#4 Marco Verratti (PSG)

Verrati has rejected a contract offer from PSG.

Marco Verrati is just 25 years old and is one of the most exciting midfielders to watch for in world football right now. He has been a regular starter for PSG and season by season he has improved his game.

He is quick, agile, good dribbling skills and technically a gifted playmaker. But some have argued that for him to fulfil his potential and take his game to the next level he must leave the Ligue 1 and move to a more competitive league.

If reports are believed to be true then Manchester United are considering to swap him up with PSG for Paul Pogba, who has reportedly fallen out with Jose Mourinho. It has also been reported that Verrati has rejected a £9 million a season contract to stay at the Parc Des Princes.

Verrati is a very hard working midfielder, he is a kind of a player whom Mourinho would love to have him in his squad. He has more experience of playing in Europe compared to Savic and considering his attributes, it shouldn't be a problem for Jose to get the best out of him.