Lazio sporting director Igli Tare has confessed that he rejected Milan over the summer. “I chose with my heart, not money.”

Tare was Milan’s first choice to replace Leonardo, but the Albanian ended up sticking with Lazio and the Rossoneri went for ex-Roma executive Ricky Massara.

“I’m in a hurry to reach the Champions League,” he told Corriere dello Sport.

“The group knows that in the last three years, we could’ve easily qualified.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic is reportedly set for a new Lazio contract, including €100m-plus release clause and increased salary.

The Serbia international was again linked with Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter and Juventus this summer, but remained at the Stadio Olimpico.

According to Il Messaggero newspaper, the Biancocelesti are trying to finalise terms for an extension to his current deal, which runs to 2023.

It would only add one year to the contract, but include a large release clause of at least €100m.

Lazio are reportedly keen on giving Inter target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic a new and improved contract.

It had been claimed that Inter were preparing a last-ditch bid for Milinkovic-Savic, possibly offering Roberto Gagliardini and Matteo Politano in part exchange.

However, Gazzetta dello Sport’s Nicolo Schira writes Lazio want to ward off the Nerazzurri’s interest by tying the midfielder down to a deal until 2024.

Inter could prepare another last-minute offer for Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, with cash plus Matteo Politano and Roberto Gagliardini.

According to La Repubblica newspaper, the Nerazzurri have not given up on the Serbia international.

Rated at €90m, they would be prepared to offer a substantial cash sum along with players Politano and Gagliardini.

However, Lazio are unwilling to part with their star man so late in the transfer window.

Milinkovic-Savic had been linked with Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester United.

The new Serie A season begins today and some players will be wearing special commemorative patches as the best of 2018-19.

It all kicks off at 17.00 UK time with Parma v Juventus, followed by Fiorentina v Napoli at 19.45.

You can read all the match previews for this weekend’s Serie A games HERE.

There is a novelty in the kits for this season, with patches identifying achievements from the previous campaign.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has assured ‘you’ll never hear me say that I want to leave Lazio’ in public.

Milinkovic-Savic has continually been linked with moves away from Lazio after establishing himself as one of Europe’s most coveted midfielders, but the Serb made it clear he would never disrespect his employers. 

“You’ll never hear me say that I want to leave Lazio,” the 24-year-old told Sport Plus.

“I never mentioned a possible transfer to Manchester United, it was just a newspaper story.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic assures he is not disappointed by the failed Manchester United or PSG moves. “I want for nothing at Lazio.”

The midfielder had reportedly been on the verge of a €90m transfer to Old Trafford, while Paris Saint-Germain continue to pursue him, although a recent hip injury might’ve put paid to that idea.

“The injury isn’t as bad as people say. I know how long it takes to recover properly and can’t wait to be back on the field training in a few days,” Milinkovic-Savic told Serbian media Espreso.

Arturo Vidal could be the final big swoop of the Inter transfer market, as the Barcelona midfielder can reunite with Antonio Conte.

According to Tuttosport and La Gazzetta dello Sport, once Edin Dzeko is secured from Roma, the Nerazzurri will continue their spending spree with a midfield reinforcement.

It depends on selling Mauro Icardi, Joao Mario and Borja Valero, of course, but if Sergej Milinkovic-Savic seems improbable, then Inter are very much in the running for Vidal.

Inter aren’t done yet, as La Gazzetta dello Sport claims they are planning a late swoop for Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic.

The Nerazzurri signed Romelu Lukaku from Manchester United for a club record fee of €65m plus €10m in bonuses and five per cent of a future sale.

They are also on the verge of securing Edin Dzeko from Roma for €20m, but there is another big buy in the works.