Pranav Nair
Transfer News: Manchester United given a clear run as Fiorentina admit Nikola Milenkovic departure is imminent
According to Italian transfer news outlet Gazzetta Dello Sport (h/t Sport Witness), Manchester United have been handed an almighty boost in their pursuit of Nikola Milenkovic.
The Fiorentina star is one of the finest young defenders in Serie-A and is on United’s radar as they look to bring in a new defender. With his contract expiring in 2022, La Viola have now admitted that his departure is inevitable.
The player is not keen on renewing his current deal further limiting Fiorentina’s options. The Italians must now look to get top dollar for the player this summer rather than risk losing him on a free next year.
As per the report, United are already in the process of making a move for the 23-year-old. While Liverpool were also keeping tabs on Milenkovic, their pursuit of Ibrahima Konate coupled with the option on Orzan Kabak may have cleared the way for United to land the Serbian.
United’s search for a new central defender has been no secret. Despite recent improvements, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof have not been consistent while Eric Bailly and Phil Jones are injury prone.
Bringing in a new defender to partner Maguire has to be one of our major priorities going into the summer window.
The next Vidic?
Sir Alex Ferguson pulled off a masterstroke when he signed Nemanja Vidic in 2006. The Serbian went on to become one of the best defenders in the world and was a colossus at the back alongside Rio Ferdinand.
Milenkovic looks up to Vidic and has admitted that he tries to model his game on the United great. While he has big boots to fill, there is no reason why lightning cannot strike twice.
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United are also keeping tabs on both Raphael Varane and Jules Kounde. While both players might be better than Milenkovic right now, the Serbian might well prove to be an affordable option.
