Exclusive: Millwall sent clear Lazio, Mihailo Ivanovic warning by Sky Sports pundit | OneFootball

Millwall striker Mihailo Ivanovic is the subject of interest from Italian club Lazio.

Millwall striker Mihailo Ivanovic is attracting interest from abroad following an impressive debut season in English football.

Italian giants Lazio have reportedly identified the 20-year-old as a target, as per La Lazio Siamo Noi, with the club said to be monitoring him as they look to add another striker to their squad this summer.

The youngster joined the Lions from Serbian club FK Vojvodina in a deal reportedly worth £2.8 million last summer, and he lived up to his price-tag with a number of important performances in the Championship, particularly during the second half of the season.

Ivanovic only scored twice before the turn of the year, before going on to score ten goals in 19 league appearances between January and the end of the season.

The forward seemed to benefit from the arrival of Alex Neil as head coach in December, as his improved form in front of goal began not long after the former Norwich City and Sunderland boss was appointed at The Den.

Unfortunately for the Lions, they fell just short of achieving a top-six finish and earning a place in the play-offs, but if they can keep hold of Ivanovic this summer, then they should have faith that they can go one better next term.

Lee Hendrie fires Ivanovic warning to Millwall

Sky Sports pundit, Lee Hendrie, spoke exclusively to Football League World about Lazio's reported interest in Ivanovic, and revealed that he sees the striker departing Millwall as a real possibility.

"Ivanovic has been linked with a move away because of the season he has had," Hendrie said.

"He is being watched by several clubs, with Lazio being one that has been named as being interested.

"They are another team that has had a remarkable season, Millwall. Alex Neil has done a brilliant job there. I think he has got the best out of players.

"Do they need to keep Ivanovic? I think yes. You don't want to get rid of your prized assets, do you? You want to keep players, but the unfortunate thing is, when you are so close to a potential promotion run, the season comes to an end, and you take nothing away from it except having had a good season.

"I think the problem is that there are always going to be links with players that stand out in teams that have been successful, because they can always be tempted away.

"I think it would be great if they could keep him, and I am sure Millwall want to keep him. Is that going to be a possibility when you have the likes of Lazio that are coming and calling or looking and watching?

"I think it will be tough to keep him, but I think Millwall should try and work off a bit of a platform where they can keep their key players, but I know it is so difficult when you compare the budgets of most of these teams in the league, so I think he will possibly leave."

Millwall may not feel any pressure to sell Ivanovic

Millwall and Alex Neil will no doubt be desperate to keep hold of Ivanovic after his goalscoring exploits during the second half of the season, and they may not be under any huge pressure to sell him.

The Lions confirmed that the striker signed a 'long-term' contract when he joined the club last year, so it would likely take a significant bid from Lazio if they are going to be able to bring him to Italy this summer.

Millwall also sold Romain Esse to Crystal Palace for an initial fee of £12 million less than six months ago, which should be another reason why they can avoid feeling any pressure to sell Ivanovic just one year after signing him, unless they receive an offer that is too good to turn down.