Nikola Milenkovic’s Man Utd transfer is reportedly ‘inevitable’ this summer, with Fiorentina resigned to losing their star player.
The Serbian centre-back has been tracked by Man Utd for a number of months.
They see him as a future defensive partner for club captain Harry Maguire.
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Last month, Man Utd became favourites to land Milenkovic ahead of rivals Liverpool.
According to Italian source Gazzetta dello Sport (via Mirror), Fiorentina have now ‘conceded defeat’ to Man Utd in the transfer.
They’re open to selling the 23-year-old as he wants to make a step up in his career.
Man Utd’s pursuit is boosted by the player’s current contract situation.
His Fiorentina deal expires in June 2022 and he isn’t expected to sign an extension.
That means the club must sell him in the summer or in January to avoid losing him on a free transfer next year.
It also reduces Fiorentina’s bargaining power, meaning a £30million bid should be enough to secure Milenkovic’s services.
Liverpool were firmly in the race for Milenkovic originally, but they’ve switched their attention to RB Leipzig youngster Ibrahima Konate.
Man Utd are now in pole position to land the defender in the coming months.
Red Devils boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to improve his defence to mount a title challenge next season.
He’s seen the impact of Ruben Dias at rivals Man City, who has transformed their defence into a formidable force.
City have been virtually unstoppable in their rout to the Premier League title this term.
As a result, Solskjaer has prioritised a centre-back partner for Maguire.
Victor Lindelof and Eric Bailly have usually operated that position this campaign. But they aren’t seen as long-term solutions at Old Trafford.
Milenkovic is a strong and durable defender who could follow in the footsteps of compatriot Nemanja Vidic by becoming an United legend.
Standing at 6ft 5in, he’s an imposing figure who will be a threat from set pieces at either end of the pitch.
He’s quick along the ground and would be able to cover for Maguire if needed.
Man Utd were initially hoping to sign Sevilla defender Jules Kounde but were priced out of a deal.
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