Another day, another story linking Man United with a move for a centre-back. Yet again, it’s Nikola Milenkovic being mentioned again… We’ve ...
Another day, another story linking Man United with a move for a centre-back. Yet again, it’s Nikola Milenkovic being mentioned again…
We’ve covered stories about Nikola Milenkovic being a Manchester United target for a while, now. It definitely seems certain that a centre-half will be signed by the Old Trafford club this summer, that’s for sure.
The latest story comes from Gazzetta dello Sport and their Monday print edition, translated via Sport Witness. The Italian media outlet go pretty big, claiming that the United target Milenkovic already has his ‘suitcase ready’ ahead of leaving Fiorentina this summer. Franck Ribery is also said to be in the same boat.
The Serbian centre-half has a contract that expires in 2022, meaning Fiorentina have to part with Milenkovic now for a cut-price fee, or lose him for nothing when the time comes in eighteen months time. It’s stated the 23-year-old has chosen not to extend his deal with the Serie A outfit.
GdS reckon Milenkovic’s future lies in the Premier League, where apparently, the doors will ‘open wide’ for the centre-back. Fortunately for the Old Trafford club, the Reds have a ‘clear advantage’ as they started conversations with the player’s agent last summer.
In terms of a transfer fee, Fiorentina are expected to receive around £30m (€30m) to let their star defender leave. In today’s market, that will be an absolute steal for a player of Milenkovic’s talent.
United may well be in the drivers seat, but that won’t stop other potential suitors doing all they can to steal Milenkovic from under their nose, so it’s up to Edward Woodward to stay alert and get this deal done if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is convinced he’ll improve our team.
There is a risk involved in this deal, though. Milenkovic is young and unproven in the Premier League. He may well be super-talented, but this is by no means a sure-fire homerun signing. That said, I’d still roll the dice as United are desperate for a partner for Harry Maguire.
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