Panic-stricken club owner set to initiate emergency talks with star player to thwart United’s summer plans – report

Torino owner Urbano Cairo is reportedly planning crisis talks with goalkeeper Vanja Milinkovic-Savic in a bid to thwart Manchester United’s pursuit of his signature.

Uncertainty over the future of Andre Onana and Altay Bayindir suggests United could dip into the market for goalkeeping reinforcements.

Onana and Bayindir have both been culpable of multiple high-profile errors that have seriously cost United both in the Premier League and in cup competitions. United continue to be linked to a number of goalkeepers, including Milinkovic-Savic.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently revealed that has been added to the shortlist of potential arrivals at Old Trafford. Romano further stated that initial contact between United and Milinkovic-Savic’s camp has already taken place.

Now, Italian news outlet Tuttomercatoweb reveals that United’s interest in Milinkovic-Savic is causing panic in Torino and owner Urbano Cairo is planning talks with the shot-stopper to try and contain the situation.

It’s understood Cairo wants to sit down with the player “as soon as possible,” with the aim of either removing his €20m release clause entirely or significantly increasing the amount.

Tuttomercatoweb add that United have carried out initial checks on the 28-year-old.

Meanwhile, Torino are sounding out potential replacements for Milinkovic-Savic and could move in for former Liverpool man Loris Karius or Sampdoria’s Jonathan Klinsmann.

Regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in Serie A, Milinkovic-Savic is enjoying another brilliant season with Torino. He has made 34 top-flight appearances this term, helping the side keep 10 clean sheets. He has conceded 37 goals in the same period.

The 6-foot-8 Milinkovic-Savic was once on United’s books as a youth player, having joined from Vojvodina in 2014. He parted ways with the Red Devils just a year later after failing to obtain a work permit to ply his trade in England.

He joined Torino in 2017 and established himself as the first-choice goalkeeper by 2021, going on to make over 150 appearances for the club since then.

Milinkovic-Savic is believed to be keen on a return to United, so it remains to be seen whether or not he agrees to Cairo’s request. The Serbian only has 12 months left on his contract.

Featured image Paolo Bruno via Getty Images

Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social