Serie A Transfer News: Manchester United table €80m bid for Milinkovic-Savic, James Rodriguez set to refuse Napoli and join arch-rival Atletico Madrid, and more, 16 July 2019

Hello and welcome to the Serie A news and rumours of the day! As usual, there are many exciting stories from the rumour mill to read. So, let's take a look at the top stories of the day surrounding the Italian top flight.

#5 Manchester United offer €80 million for Sergej Milinkovic-Savic

Manchester United have tabled a massive bid for Lazio's Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

The Lazio superstar has been closely linked with a move to Manchester United for some time now. Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus, and Inter Milan have also been linked with the Serbian. However, Manchester United would want the 24-year-old as a replacement to Paul Pogba. The Frenchman has revealed his intention to depart from Old Trafford, and super agent Mino Raiola has also confirmed that the player is in the process of leaving Manchester United.

Lazio bought the former KRC Genk star for around €9 million 4 years ago, and the player's price has skyrocketed since then. He gathered public attention when he scored 12 league goals during the 2017/18 season. Unfortunately, his market value dropped after the player managed to score just 5 goals in the last campaign. Nevertheless, the 24-year-old was recently crowned as Serie A best midfielder.

Manchester United have submitted an €80 million bid for Milinkovic, but Lazio insist that they will not accept an offer lower than €100 million. Thus, the transfer price is still a major stumbling block for all parties involved. Milinkovic-Savic, on the other hand, has recently extended his contract with Lazio until 2023.

Lazio President Claudio Lotito confirmed that the club would discuss a potential transfer for the player if promising offer arrives. However, Manchester United might stop the pursuit of the midfielder if the Red Devils manage to convince Paul Pogba to stay for at least one more season.

#4 James Rodriguez ready to reject Napoli for Atletico Madrid

James Rodriguez could leave for Atletico Madrid.

The Real Madrid midfielder is yet to decide his future since Bayern Munich refused to trigger his €42 million buyout clause. Real Madrid have bought plenty of players such as Eden Hazard and Luka Jovic, forcing James to look for another club if the Colombian wants to earn decent game time.

Napoli have confirmed their intention to sign the player, but the Italian club are still unable to find an agreement with Real Madrid over the transfer price. According to a report, James and Real Madrid have grown increasingly tired with the drawn-out saga. The report further states that the midfielder is ready to reject Napoli to join Real Madrid rival Atletico.

Atletico are willing to offer the same level of wage that he currently earns at Real Madrid, while Napoli want James to take a pay cut. Real Madrid are not interested in strengthening their arch-rival, but the Los Blancos will have no other choice if they are unable to strike a deal with Napoli.

#3 Inter Milan not affected by Mauro Icardi drama

Mauro Icardi has been linked with a move away from Inter.

The former Sampdoria striker has gathered public attention due to his on and off the field problems. Inter have recently sent the Argentinian home from the club's pre-season camp. Thus, Inter were without the star striker during their pre-season clash with Lugano. Nevertheless, Antonio Conte's squad still managed to record a 2-1 win.

Inter defender Stefan de Vrij insisted that Icardi issue is not affecting the club. He also revealed that things are going well despite Inter will need to adapt to Conte's 3 at the back formation.

“Things are going very well, we’re working a lot physically and technically.

“We’ve put some gas in our legs so we can be better prepared. The formation has changed with Conte.

“Things inevitably do with three at the back, but that shouldn’t be a problem. We have to work on it and that’s what we’re doing.

“He makes us understand what he wants from us through what he tells us. The Icardi issue doesn’t concern us. We’re only thinking about what we have to do."

#2 Atalanta to keep their star players

Atalanta secured their first ever Champions League season after finishing 3rd in Serie A. They had an impressive 2018/19 season under Gian Piero Gasperini, playing attractive football, and becoming the highest scoring team in the league. However, many doubt that the Bergamo-based club can keep their star players.

Top performers such as Gianluca Mancini, Duvan Zapata, Josip Ilicic and Alejandro Gomez have been linked with a move away from the club. Nevertheless, Gasperini hinted that the club will likely keep their star players. Gasperini admitted that Zapata could depart if a huge offer arrives, but the club are yet to receive such a proposal..

“Mancini is still an Atalanta player.

“Unless there are any late twists, he should be with us on Sunday. Then there are clearly several names we’re evaluating in terms of incomings.”

“The President was very clear about this. The only one who could still receive a huge offer is Zapata, but that offer doesn’t exist right now.

“We can’t bandage up our heads before breaking them!”

#1 Jose Mourinho sets up pressure on Antonio Conte

Jose Mourinho has been jobless since Manchester United sacked him.

Many believe that Inter will challenge for Scudetto after appointing Conte. The Italian manager won the Premier League with Chelsea and also secured numerous domestic titles with Juventus. Inter have signed top players such as Nicolo Barella and Diego Godin to assist Conte in his Scudetto mission.

Former Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho believed that Conte will have to win the Serie A this time. The Italian club secured Champions League football in their last 2 seasons, but they were unable to stop Juventus dominance. Speaking about Inter, Mourinho said: