Lazio president Claudio Lotito has insisted that Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is not for sale in the upcoming transfer window.
With just two years left on his current deal in the Italian capital, Milinkovic-Savic has been linked with a move to both Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain, while Juventus are also reportedly keen to snap him up.
However, the Biancoceleste president has stated that the Serie A outfit are not looking to part ways with their star midfielder in a recent interview with Rai Sport (h/t Corriere Dello Sport).
“We always talk about money, I am about the technical and moral qualities of the players,” he said.
“Milinkovic is not for sale, I respect him very much, he can make a difference and I have a good relationship with him.”
The Lazio chief also confirmed that he had rejected a big-money offer for the 27-year-old from an unnamed team in the past.
“I turned down a €140 million (£120m) bid for him years ago,” Lotito added.
“I’d ask Sergej what he wants to do only in case we receive an important proposal from a world-class top club.
“At my club, we prioritise the human over the financial aspects.
“Today there is an issue with regards to respect towards the man and player.”
Having racked up 57 goals and 51 assists in just under 300 appearances across all competitions, Milinkovic-Savic has continued to impress at the Stadio Olimpico since joining from Genk back in August 2015 for a fee of around €10m.
Lazio have done a good job fending off interest from European heavyweights since then but with Milinkovic-Savic now entering into the prime years of his career, it looks to be only a matter of time before the Serbian midfielder secures a long-awaited move.
