Pranav Nair
Manchester United keen to replace Victor Lindelof with Nikola Milenkovic
According to the Italian publication Gazzetta Dello Sport (h/t The Express), Manchester United are set to battle it out with Manchester City for Nikola Milenkovic.
The Red Devils are keen to bring in a central defender next summer to reinforce what has been an unreliable backline. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen to bring in a replacement for skipper Harry Maguire and could finally get his wish this summer.
United were linked with Dayot Upamecano last summer, but that ship has now sailed. The club is now forced to look elsewhere.
One player on our radar is Milenkovic who has impressed with Fiorentina. The 23-year-old whose contract with the Viola expires in 2022 is in no mood to pen an extension.
This could see him leave the club next summer with England a potential destination. Both Manchester clubs are aware of his situation and are keeping tabs.
The defender is expected to cost around £30m and represents a much cheaper alternative to Seviila’s Jules Kounde. Whether that remains a factor in us making a decision remains to be seen.
Two birds with one stone!
The Serbian international is a dominating presence who stands tall at 1.95m. His versatility to also do a job at right-back further adds to his appeal.
It is no secret that United need another right-back to compete alongside Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Whether that man is the Serbian remains to be seen.
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The United defence has improved but is still short of a couple of key personnel. Both Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly are capable but inconsistent and beset by injuries.
A change is needed and it is needed now.
