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Real Madrid transfer news: Florentino Perez identifies Luka Modric replacement
REAL MADRID are considering a a move for Lazio ace Sergei Milinkovic-Savic to replace Luka Modric, according to reports.
Modric is keen to leave Real Madrid and join Inter Milan after winning three Champions Leagues in a row.
The Croatia star, who helped his nation to the World Cup finall, could be the second big departure from the Bernabeu this summer following Cristiano Ronaldo.
And, according to Sky Italy, Real are monitoring Milinkovic-Savic’s situation at Lazio.
The Serbia midfielder has been on Manchester United and Chelsea’s radar this summer but Lazio are demanding big bucks for the 23-year-old.
Juventus and now AC Milan are also said to be keen on the midfielder.
But Real Madrid’s presence in the running could stoke up a bidding war for the £100m ace.
Madrid are wary of losing Modric so close to selling Ronaldo and Julen Lopetegui already has to do with a depleted midfield following the departure of Mateo Kovacic to Chelsea.
But Modric’s agent has made his position clear.
“The fact Inter Milan tried to sign him and Modric took it into consideration shows the influence Cristiano Ronaldo is already having on Italian football,” he told Tuttosport.
“For whatever reason, Modric wants to be a star in Serie A with Inter. Let's see. I believe that sooner or later Luka will play in Italy.
“Like a lot of Croatians his age, he grew up watching Italian football.”
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic joins Lazio for pre-season training
Madrid’s only signing so far this summer has been Thibaut Courtois, who joined in a £35m deal from Chelsea.
But Lopetegui reportedly wants a centre-back and a striker already, so would need another midfielder if Modric was allowed to leave.
Milinkovic-Savic impressed for Lazio in Serie A last term, scoring 14 times as Lazio finished fourth.