Lazio president Claudio Lotito has told Juventus and Manchester United that Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is not on the market.
The Serbia midfielder has regularly been linked with a move away from the Stadio Olimpico and recent reports in the Italian media had suggested Juve were close to signing him this summer, while there has also been rumoured interest from United.
However, Lotito denied Milkinovic-Savic was available for transfer.
Asked whether the Serb was on the market, Lotito told reporters at a meeting of the Serie A presidents, as quoted by Goal.com:
“You always talk about money, I [talk about] technical and personal qualities of my players.
“Milinkovic is not for sale, I rate him a lot. I have never put him up for sale, is there a ‘for sale’ sign? In order to sign him, you need someone to sell him.”
Lotito reiterated however that, should an offer from one of Europe’s top clubs materialise, he would speak to the 27-year-old before making any decision.
“I rate Milinkovic a lot, he is a game changer and we have a great relationship,” the Lazio president added. “If a big club comes in for him, I would ask the player what he wants to do.
“At my club, we prioritise the human over the financial [aspects]. When I received an offer of €140 million, I didn’t sell him.
“I am the only case in world history. Today there is an issue with regards to respect towards the man and player.”
Milinkovic-Savic joined Lazio from Belgian side Genk in 2015 for around €10m. He has made nearly 300 appearances for the Biancocelesti and has scored 57 goals. No midfielder has contributed to more goals than him this season in Serie A: 20, equally split between goals and assists.
He helped Lazio win the 2018-19 Coppa Italia with the opening goal in the 2-0 final win over Atalanta.