Lazio are believed to have rejected a €28m bid from Liverpool for star midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, reports Italian publication Corriere Dello Sport.
The Reds had been credited with an interest in the young Serbian star over the weekend as they geared up to make a move for the Lazio ace.
With Liverpool being priced out of a move for RB Leipzig sensation Naby Keita, Reds boss Jurgen Klopp has turned his attention elsewhere, with Milinkovic-Savic now a top target for the German manager.
However, their opening gambit for the towering midfielder has been rebuffed, with the Serie A giants supposedly placed a €70m asking price on Milinkovic-Savic’s head.
Lazio are desperate to retain the services of their top stars, with Keita Balde and Stefan de Vrij, who has been linked with a move to Anfield, both attracting hefty interest across the continent.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic: Won more aerial duels (149) than any other player in Serie A last season pic.twitter.com/cWPvdu9YSa
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) June 12, 2017
The 22-year-old won more aerial duels (149) than any other player in Italy’s top tier last term as Lazio look to build their squad around the youngster following a commendable season under the watchful eye of Simone Inzaghi.