Nikola Milenkovic’s days at Fiorentina appear to be numbered with Manchester United reportedly being one of the two clubs leading the race to sign him.
It’s no secret at this stage that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has problems to address in defence. A new centre-back is needed, with the club recently getting rid of both Chris Smalling and Marcos Marcos as well as knowing the manager cannot rely on Phil Jones (it’s not like he ever could).
Milenkovic initially became a United target when Jose Mourinho was manager, but speculation went quiet following the acquisition of Harry Maguire. It didn’t take long for everyone to realise our defender still lacks the required quality to compete at the top, and here we are years later supposedly thinking about a previous target.
In yesterday’s open letter to the Manchester United fans’ forum, Joel Glazer stated that there would be significant investment in the squad, stadium and training ground. We know all too well from 16-years of being ignored that actions speak louder than words.
Is Milenkovic really the man to transform United’s defence? So long as the coaching staff and manager get the targets they ask for, we can’t really complain.
“His contract expires in 2022,” Calciomercato states in a report, “but Nikola Milenkovic has already said goodbye to Fiorentina: ‘Here at Fiorentina I became a man. Fiorentina welcomed me from day one as if I had always been here and made me grow a lot. I feel I have grown a lot both mentally and as a footballer.’ Words that smell of goodbye.”
If that report is accurate, it’s going to be difficult for Fiorentina to keep hold of a player who clearly thinks it’s time to move on and step up a level in his career.
The report states they are hoping to get €30m for Milenkovic’s signature. Two months ago, we ran another report citing Todo Fichajes, which suggests United were preparing a £26m (€30m) bid for the defender.
Moreover, Manchester United and West Ham have reportedly began talks with the player’s entourage, with the article stating the Reds are on the lookout for young defenders.
Sounds like United could get Milenkovic at a very good price.
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