Nikola Milenkovic to Man Utd: Manchester United have had a defensive crisis for the past few seasons now.
Under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manchester United’s seasons is slowly returning to track after a disappointing first half.
Even when the side remains at 6th in the league, they’re only three points behind Arsenal, and six behind Chelsea. Manchester United are yet to draw or lose in five games under Solskjaer’s charge.
As the squad makes a trip to Dubai for warm-weather training sessions, the operations within the Manchester United board have picked up the pace for the January transfer market.
According to English media outlets, Manchester United are set to make a move for Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic in the coming week. Full details:
Nikola Milenkovic to Man Utd:
According to the Mirror, Manchester United’s board is set to discuss a move for the Serbian defender next week.
The defender, who is rated at £45m by the club, is on the radar of other Premier League heavyweights like Liverpool and Tottenham, as well as Italian champions Juventus. However, Manchester United are considered the favourites to land the footballer.
There are believed to be offers lined up for Nikola Milenkovic from both Manchester United and Manchester City worth in the region of €50m. [CDS]
— FergieTime™️ (@SSIIIIUUUU) January 5, 2019
🚨Manchester United are addressing their centre back issue and are set to hold meetings over the potential signing of Fiorentina centre back Nikola Milenković. The 21 year-old is already an intentional, and has been lauded the best Serbian defender after a fine World Cup🚨#MUFC
— Alistair Jackson (@Ali_Jackson25) January 6, 2019
Earlier in the season, Jose Mourinho personally scouted the Serbian 21 year old during his time as a Manchester United manager in October. Even when the club parted ways with Mourinho two months later, their interest in Milenkovic didn’t drop.
Manchester United’s defence has been a significant cause of worry for Solskjaer. In this season, the side has conceded 32 goals in the league, which is the joint-worst in the top-10 sides on the table with West Ham United.
Before Solskjaer’s appointment, Manchester United’s goal difference in the league was in the negative.
Manchester United have also been linked with players like Kalidou Koulibaly and Milan Skriniar in the January transfer window. However, it is unlikely that the two will join the club this season, even if United manages to seal the deal.
There’s a €50m Manchester Derby on the cards between United and City for Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic.
According to the Corriere dello Sport newspaper, both Premier League giants have set their sights firmly on the Serbia international.
— TeamRumorsTransfers 24/7 🗞 (@rumorstransfers) January 5, 2019
Manchester United are missing a star, experienced consistent centre half like:
•Kalidou Koulibaly
•Toby AlderweireldBut, they also need to turn the ageing deadwood into prospects:
Chris Smalling→Nikola Milenkovic
Phil Jones→Eder Militao
Marcos Rojo→Axel Tuanzebe#MUFC pic.twitter.com/HiyVmmYgTU— ☈🇾🇪 (@UtdRobbo) January 1, 2019
What next?
Solskjaer’s side will return to action next weekend as they take on the third-placed Tottenham Hotspur in a heavyweight clash at Wembley Stadium.
