Man Utd leading race for versatile defender ‘destined’ for Prem move

Nikola Milenkovic, Ante Rebic AC Milan v Fiorentina November 2020

Nikola Milenkovic is “destined” for a Premier League move amid links with Manchester United, according to a report.

Milenkovic is in the final 18 months of his contract with Fiorentina. So far, he is yet to show any sign of renewing his deal.

Therefore, the Serie A side are at risk of losing him in the near future. They may have to cash in on him this summer to avoid losing him for free.

That has led to speculation about a move to the Premier League, where he has a number of admirers. For example, Tottenham were linked with him ahead of the January transfer window.

Those links seem to have cooled somewhat since, with Liverpool instead being touted as a potential suitor. But the main contender for his signature appears to be Manchester United.

United are on the lookout for a new defensive partner for captain Harry Maguire. There are still doubts about Victor Lindelof’s consistency and Eric Bailly’s injury record.

Milenkovic is someone who could strengthen their rearguard. The fact he can cover in two positions (centre-back or right-back) adds to his appeal.

Reports earlier this week suggested that United have a “clear advantage” over their rivals in the race to sign Milenkovic. That’s because they have been in talks with his entourage since last summer.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Contract talks with Eric Bailly have begun

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer: Contract talks with Eric Bailly have begun

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer says Manchester United have opened talks about a new contract with defender Eric Bailly.

Therefore, the groundworks are in place to tempt him to Old Trafford. And now, talk of such a scenario materialising is picking up pace.

According to Tuttosport, Milenkovic will more than likely leave Fiorentina in the summer. And the most plausible destination would be the Premier League.

The 23-year-old could get to move to Man Utd as a result. However, there is no indication that an agreement is close just yet.


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Milenkovic not alone on Utd radar

While Milenkovic has been regularly linked with Man Utd in recent weeks, he is not the only one.

Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde is another option under consideration, although his price tag has proven off-putting in the past.

But the situation is always changing, with Sevilla now dropping their demands. Recent reports indicated that Kounde could now just cost £51m as Sevilla have lined up potential replacements.

That would represent a major reduction on his price tag. It could be an opportunity too good not to act upon.

Therefore, United will have to consider their options carefully when choosing which centre-back to pursue.

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