Manchester United have "explored" signing Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

However, while some reports have suggested that the Red Devils could now make a move for the 27-year-old, Jones says their interest remains just that.

GiveMeSport Transfer News

GiveMeSport Transfer News

What is the latest news involving Milinkovic-Savic?

The Manchester Evening News recently reported that United are weighing up a move for Milinkovic-Savic.

According to the same outlet, the Manchester club could make a £57.5m bid for the Serbia international, who has been described as a "world-class midfielder" by Serie A expert David Amoyal.

Midfield is an area of United's squad that manager Erik ten Hag is trying to strengthen, but he has so far failed to.

Frenkie de Jong is thought to be the Dutchman's priority target, with reports suggesting that United actually have an agreement in place with Barcelona to sign him. However, the 25-year-old is seemingly reluctant to leave the Camp Nou for Old Trafford, dealing his former boss a huge blow.

What has Jones said about Milinkovic-Savic and United?

Jones has told GIVEMESPORT that United have looked at Milinkovic-Savic but that is about it.

Speaking to GMS, the journalist said: "He was definitely one of the players that they've explored, but I don't think they got very far."

Do United need Milinkovic-Savic?

While Milinkovic-Savic is not the same profile of midfielder as De Jong, he is probably not someone United can say no to.

At present, their midfield is a bit stale, with Scott McTominay and Fred recently coming in for heavy criticism.

"With Fred and McTominay, he [Ten Hag] is going to have to go with just one of them but even one of them is probably too many,” United legend Paul Scholes told Premier League Productions (via The Athletic) after his former side's 2-1 defeat against Brighton.

"Fred gives the ball away all the time and McTominay’s trying to run with the ball constantly, and then gives it away.”

Simply put, United could do with a bit more technical quality in the middle of the park, and Milinkovic-Savic would give them that.

As per FBref, the Lazio star has ranked in the 84th percentile for dribbles completed and the 98th for progressive passes received among midfielders over the last year. He is good at receiving the ball and not bad at taking it past opposition players either.

What is likely to appeal most to United fans, though, is the fact that he is a threat in the box. Last season, Milinkovic-Savic came up with 11 goals and 11 assists in 37 Serie A appearances for Maurizio Sarri's side.

£57m is a lot of money, but United's midfield needs surgery, so it would be a surprise if Ten Hag ended up saying no to this.