Man Utd have become the favourites to land Fiorentina star Nikola Milenkovic, according to reports.
The centre-back has been linked with a big money move after impressing scouts across Europe.
Liverpool are thought to be interested in signing Milenkovic, but it looks like they might’ve lost out.
FEATURE: Premier League winners and losers after north London derby
According to Italian source Gazzetta dello Sport (via Daily Mail), Man Utd are the favourites to bring Milenkovic to the Premier League.
The Red Devils have been in discussion with the player’s entourage since last summer.
They’re forming a good relationship which will see Milenkovic prioritise a move to Old Trafford instead of Anfield.
Man Utd have received a boost in their pursuit of the 23-year-old after he rejected a contract extension.
The report states that Fiorentina offered him a major new contract to remain in Italy.
Milenkovic rejected that proposal and apparently ‘has his bags packed’ ahead of a Premier League move.
His current deal expires in June 2022. That means Fiorentina would rather sell this summer than lose him on a free transfer next year.
The Italian side have set his price tag at £30million, which Man Utd chief Ed Woodward is happy to pay.
That means the Red Devils could have found the solution to their defensive problems.
Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is desperate to find a long-term partner for Harry Maguire.
Maguire is growing into his role as United’s ever-present defender, although the position next to him remains up for grabs.
Victor Lindelof has been good this term but isn’t seen as a permanent solution.
Eric Bailly, who now looks set for a new contract, has been hampered by injuries in recent seasons.
Milenkovic would be an ideal partner for captain Maguire.
He is a strong and reliable centre-back who has apparently modelled his game on Barca legend Gerard Pique.
His effective ball-playing abilities would help him to be a success in Solskjaer’s team and in the Prem as a whole.
Available for £30million, Milenkovic represents a cheaper alternative to United’s other defensive targets.
They’ve been linked with Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane and RB Leipzig’s Ibrahima Konate.
Both of those players would fetch almost double Milenkovic’s price tag, making the latter a perfect solution.
The post Man Utd become favourites to land Fiorentina star Milenkovic appeared first on Football365.com.