Former sporting director declares Fiorentina star ready to play for Man United

FLORENCE, ITALY - JANUARY 13: Nikola Milenkovic of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Coppa Italia match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Artemio Franchi on January 13, 2021 in Florence, Italy. Sporting stadiums around Italy remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Former Partizan Belgrade sporting director Ivica Iliev has admitted that Fiorentina duo Dusan Vlahovic and defender Nikola Milenkovic are good enough to play for Manchester United.

Iliev, who was instrumental in bringing both players to Partizan Belgrade before their switches to Fiorentina in 2018 and 2017 respectively, believes the pair have very bright futures.

Milenkovic, 23, has recently seen his name linked with a move to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Red Devils.

After featuring in 118 matches in all competitions for his Serie A side, the commanding centre-back has even managed to rack up an impressive 10 goals, in all competitions.

Still at just 23-years-old, the talented Serbian is hotly tipped to become one of Europe’s most resolute defenders.

Elsewhere, team-mate Vlahovic, 21, who plays at the opposite end of the pitch, often as a lone-striker has also been catching headlines.

Although recently admitting he’s open to extending his contract in Florence (relayed by ViolaNews), the 21-year-old striker is also considered to be another talented prospect.

However, speaking in a recent interview with Labaro Viola (via Sports Witness), the pair’s old sporting director feels both players are set for big things.

“The two of them are big and will be bigger in the future,” Illiev said. “They have the ability to play in many top teams, even if Fiorentina are too.

“They could easily play in clubs like Manchester United, Juventus, Barcelona, ​​Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.

“I don’t know when the right time will be for them to leave. Vlahovic still needs some time, but Milenkovic is already ready for these teams.”

Read more: Video: Pathetic defending from Lindelof as West Brom score 90 seconds in

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