Chelsea open talks for £80m midfielder wanted by Man Utd after Claude Makelele advice

Chelsea have opened talks with Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s representatives over the Lazio star moving to Stamford Bridge this summer, according to reports.

The Serbia international has long been linked with a switch to the Premier League, with Manchester United and Tottenham also credited with an interest.

Lazio have so far refused to budge on their £80million asking price, but Le 10 Sport claim Chelsea are speaking to the player’s team about a move.

Claude Makelele is involved in the discussions, advising Chelsea, but the Blues will face competition from Paris Saint-Germain.

The French champions have made an offer of £54m for Milinkovic-Savic, although PSG are unwilling to increase their bid.

Chelsea have spent big this summer having already signed Ajax forward Hakim Ziyech and RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner for a combined 87m.

Frank Lampard is keen to continue the spending spree and is reportedly targeting Leicester City full-back Ben Chilwell and West Ham midfielder Declan Rice.

Milinkovic-Savic is 25 years old and plays in the middle of the park, chipping in with six goals and five assists this season.

The Serbian has been a leading figure in a remarkable season for Lazio, where they have launched a title challenge to long-standing champions Juventus.

Lazio are currently second in Serie A, four points behind Juventus with nine games left to play.