Manchester United interested in Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic
By Quinn Allen
According to Sky Sports Italy, Jose Mourinho is once again interested in signing a defender from the Serie A. This time it is Serbian international Nikola Milenkovic.
Reports surfaced awhile back that Mourinho and the Red Devils were interested in signing Inter Milan defender and Slovakian international Milan Skriniar. Chelsea has now joined the festivities to sign the highly touted Internazionale defender, but now United could be chasing more than just Skriniar.
6 foot 5 defender Nikola Milenkovic is now on the radar of Manchester United as their back-line continues to struggle on a weekly basis. The 21-year old has started all 12 fixtures in Serie A play this season for Fiorentina, netting twice. He’s also a regular squad member on the Serbian national team after playing in this past summer’s World Cup in Russia.
More from Manchester United
- Four forwards Manchester United might like to replace Cristiano Ronaldo
- Cristiano Ronaldo hits out at Manchester United
- Aston Villa vs. Man United: How Erik ten Hag can replace Bruno Fernandes
- Real Sociedad 0-1 Manchester United: Three talking points
- A few pointers to the Cristiano Ronaldo issue at Manchester United
According to the same report, however, Fiorentina chairman Mario Cognini rejected an offer for Milenkovic in the summer worth 36 million euros. That being said, the Serie A side will want at least 50 million euros for the Serb defender, who has also garnered interest from Juventus, Chelsea, and Arsenal.
How he could help United
Milenkovic is a versatile defender who has the ability to play center-back or even right-back. This is only his second season in the Serie A after spending the previous three years in the Serbian SuperLiga with Partizan Belgrade.
The 21-year old is a very physical defender who puts his body on the line every single tackle. This is the type of defender they need at United. With his size at 6 foot 5, he’s also great in aerial duels and has fairly good speed for his large frame. In the World Cup, he was arguably Serbia’s best player even though they failed to make it out of the group stage. He recorded a tournament-high 34 successful tackles in group play, the most among all players in the group stage.
The youngster has proven his worth on the biggest stage in football at a very young age and has proven to be a solid piece of Fiorentina’s defense. Manchester United has the money to make a bid for Milenkovic, and if the money is on the table, I do believe it would be a good decision for him to make the move to the Premier League. It’s a different style of play in England but I think the Serbian will fit in well with his physical style of play. He could really help this Red Devils side get back into the winning bracket by conceding fewer goals as they have surrendered an atrocious 21 goals in just 12 Premier League fixtures this year.
Next. Liverpool should be delighted about Pulisic comments. dark
If Mourinho can work his magic and somehow sign both Nikola Milenkovic and Milan Skriniar from Serie A sides, the United defense will have a whole new look and will be replenished with some much-needed youth.