Man Utd Transfer News: Red Devils make serious enquiry for Serie A Star defender

Manchester United have made an enquiry for Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic. 

Manchester United are reported to have made a query to Fiorentina over the availability of the centre-back Nikola Milenkovic. The Serbian International has been in United’s radar for a while now and Solskjaer looks eager to land him.

The defensive fatalities of Manchester United were often been brought into heed last season – making a centre-back a priority after the acquisition of the right-back Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Swedish Victor Lindelof was the only standout player in the backline under Solskjaer, and the fellow Scandanavian is searching a centre-back to partner the former Benfica defender.

Two days before, as per the reliable Gianluca Di Marzio, the Red Devils have made an enquiry for the centre-back Nikola Milenkovic. The 21-year-old has been on the wishlist of some European clubs over the last couple of years, but Fiorentina have somehow been able to keep hold of the defender.

Manchester United tried to rope in Milenkovic last January, but were not prepared to meet Fiorentina’s stipulation for the deal to go through. It has been murmured that the English outfit had a €40 million bid last time and were hesitating to pay €10 million up, which accounts for €50 million – the amount demanded by the Italian side.

Nikola Milenkovic broke through the academy ranks of Partizan before opting to join Fiorentina in 2017. Having played alongside Vitor Hugo and Federico Ceccherini in the backline, the Serbian looked the brightest as he shone under the manager Vincenzo Montella.

He made a measly 17 appearances during his first season with the Italian side, but broke into the starting eleven in the succeeding season, clustering 53 appearances in all competitions. Possessing a serious threat through the set pieces, Milenkovic scored thrice last campaign. Additional to his goalscoring, he has astute defensive qualities which have gathered interest from plenty of clubs including Manchester United.

Here’s how Twitter has reacted..

#ManchesterUnited make enquiry for #Fiorentina defender #Milenkovichttps://t.co/WSrtd59bYn

— Gabriele Romano (@gabriro91) July 10, 2019

#mufc made an attempt to sign Fiorentina’s Nikola Milenković (21) two days ago. The club previously made an attempt in January #mulive [di marzio]

— utdreport (@utdreport) July 10, 2019

Manchester United have made another attempt for Nikola Milenkovic, the central defender of Fiorentina, two days ago. Red Devils had also tried in January, offering £ 40M, but the Italian club was asking for £ 50M.#MUFC 🔴 pic.twitter.com/LgoCPqEgw9

— Manchester United 🔴 (@ManUnited_ENG_) July 11, 2019

#MUFC reportedly go back in for #Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic https://t.co/S12EvVExhV pic.twitter.com/5eHRrovJ6p

— footballitalia (@footballitalia) July 11, 2019

CB: Nikola Milenkovic (Fiorentina)

1.6 tackles/game
1.5 interceptions/game
4 clearances/game
3.1 aerial duels won/game
0.7 blocks/game
81% passing success
(WhoScored)

Strengths: versatile, aerial duel, anticipation
Weaknesses: consistency, passing

— Football (@bola_segitiga) July 9, 2019

What’s next?

Since Fiorentina escaped from falling into Serie B, a talent of Nikola Milenkovic will be interested in joining a top club – competing in the European competitions. United might play in the second-fiddle tournament, but they do have a chance if they match Fiorentino’s price tag.