Manchester United may only table a formal offer for Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic just before the transfer window closes, according to Il Messaggero (via Calciomercato.com).

The Italian publication claims the Red Devils may look to back Lazio into a corner by making a bid of €50m (£42m), which is significantly below their €70m (£59m) asking price

It is believed that by leaving it so late, Lazio would have no choice but to accept the offer as Milinkovic Savic’s value will drop significantly by January, when the player will have just eighteen months left on his contract.

The Serbian reportedly has no interest in signing an extension, making his sale this summer all the more urgent. However, after already rejecting overtures from the likes of Arsenal and Newcastle, bids from other teams have not been forthcoming.

United are, therefore, in a great position to dictate terms, but we shall have to wait and see whether they will wait until the end of August to make their move.