Liverpool should not set their sights on luring Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic to Anfield as he is not 'on the same level' as Manchester City talisman Kevin De Bruyne, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The Reds smashed their transfer record when they parted with £85million to land Darwin Nunez from Benfica during the summer, but it seems boss Jurgen Klopp is preparing to spend big once again.
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What's the latest news involving Milinkovic-Savic?
According to Italian media outlet Calciomercato, Liverpool are willing to offer a player-plus-cash deal as they look to beat Premier League rivals Manchester United and Chelsea to the signature of Milinkovic-Savic.
The report suggests Lazio value the 35-cap Serbia international at £60million but, in a bid to lower that fee, the Merseyside giants are preparing to include Joe Gomez as part of their proposal.
Milinkovic-Savic has made an impressive start to the season and, having started all of his current employers' Serie A fixtures, has already moved into double figures for goal contributions.
The central midfielder's performances have even led to Lazio team-mate Ciro Immobile claiming he is 'magic' and 'on the same level of Kevin De Bruyne'.
But there is uncertainty over Milinkovic-Savic's long-term future as he has entered the final two years of his £75,000-per-week contract in the Italian capital.
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What has Dean Jones said about Milinkovic-Savic?
Jones does not agree with Immobile's comparison of Milinkovic-Savic with Manchester City star De Bruyne.
While the transfer insider feels the Lazio man has several qualities, he believes Liverpool may be better off focusing on alternative midfield targets.
Jones told GIVEMESPORT: "He is good but I would not say he is on the same level as Kevin De Bruyne.
"Liverpool have big decisions to make and clearly are looking at midfield options, but I’m not convinced this is the one to go for."
How does Milinkovic-Savic compare to De Bruyne?
Statistics show Milinkovic-Savic has averaged more goals, tackles, pressures, blocks and interceptions per 90 minutes than De Bruyne this season.
However, the 27-year-old does not boast any Premier League experience, having spent his career with Lazio, Genk and FK Vojvodina Novi Sad, while the Manchester City man has chalked up more than 150 goal contributions in 219 top flight appearances.
Milinkovic-Savic would bring a winning mentality to Anfield, thanks to getting his hands on plenty of silverware, but he would require time to adjust to the rigours of English football.
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