Transfer News: Inter Milan and Manchester United scout Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic
According to the latest transfer news Gazzetta Dello Sport (h/t Football.Italia), Manchester United are scouting defender Nikola Milenkovic who is also a primary target for Inter Milan. The Nerazzurri would be looking at the Serbian as a potential replacement for Stefan de Vrij.
La Viola are believed to demand an asking price in the region of €15m. The 24-year-old has already made 162 appearances across all competitions for the Serie A club to date. During that period he has managed to score 14 goals and provide one assist for Fiorentina.
The Old Trafford outfit has shipped an alarming number of goals this season. Despite spending a huge chunk of money on their defensive department in the last few years, the backline at Old Trafford seems to be very fragile, to say the least.
Harry Maguire has struggled to get going ever since making the big-money move from Leicester City. Raphael Varane has struggled with nagging injury issues since arriving at the Red side of Manchester. Add to that the injury woes, as well as inconsistency by Eric Bailly, spell a recipe for disaster.
Victor Lindelof has been the only dependable option off-late but there is clearly a lot of work left to be done at the Theatre of Dreams. The Mancunian club suffered a disappointing defeat to Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League and a top-four finish in the Premier League this season is the most realistic target on the cards.
The Serbian centre-back has been a dependable option at Artemio Franchi. At 24, Milenkovic still has some of his best footballing years ahead of him. He could go on to lead the defensive setup at Man Utd if nurtured in a proper manner. He recently signed a contract extension which ties him to the club until 2023.
Whilst the acquisition of the Fiorentina defender could be a step in the right direction, the club will need more than just a few transfers if they are to recreate their old magic. The Red Devils will have to instil a stronger mentality and the determination to go that extra mile which seems to be lacking at the moment.
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Interim manager Ralf Rangnick has tried to impose an attacking brand of football at Manchester United but his team have been second best far too many times. The interest from Inter Milan seems to be genuine and the Mancunian club will have to act fast if they are really interested in Nikola Milenkovic.
