Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has revealed he grew up idolising Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic.
Milinkovic-Savic has emerged as one of the brightest talents in Serie A over the last 12 months and has been tipped to star at the 2018 World Cup with Serbia.
Jose Mourinho is interested in signing the £100m-rated Lazio midfielder this summer and Milinkovic-Savic has given United encouragement over a summer switch.
“That comparison can only flatter me,” The Sun quote Milinkovic-Savic as responding when asked about being likened to Zinedine Zidane. “However, I see myself more as a Yaya Toure.
“As for idols, I can say I have always watched and looked up to Nemanja Matic as well.”
United have already brokered a £50m deal to sign Fred from Shakhtar Donetsk but will likely have to sign one more central midfielder with Marouane Fellaini expected to leave on a free transfer.
The 23-year-old enjoyed a breathtaking campaign for Lazio last season but the club’s failure to secure Champions League football will make it difficult to hold onto him this summer.
Milinkovic-Savic scored an impressive tally of 12 goals from central midfield, weighing in with three more assists for Lazio.
However, the Serbia international still needs to improve on the ball, as he had the most unsuccessful touches in Serie A last term (121).
