West Ham United have once again been linked with Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic, with the Irons reportedly having the sights set on securing a transfer this summer.
What’s the story?
Italian outlet Corriere Fiorentino reported (via Sport Witness) that the 24-year-old previously had a contract which was set to expire this June, which duly alerted the east London outfit to push for a deal which ultimately didn’t happen.
Instead, the Serbian signed a one-year contract extension with the Serie A club, committing his services for the short-term future but having a gentleman’s agreement regarding the opportunity to leave the following summer.
West Ham are now back in contention to try and finally bring the defender to the London Stadium.
West Ham must sign Milenkovic
Previously dubbed ‘the new Vidic’, there has been plenty of hype surrounding one of Europe’s most exciting defenders over the last 18 months, but Fiorentina have so far been able to hold onto Milenkovic.
The £75k-per-week centre-back has made 25 appearances in the Italian top flight this term, with Fiorentina currently eighth in Serie A.
Having made the move to Florence from Partizan Belgrade in July 2017, the Serbian has made 163 appearances for La Viola but is yet to experience European football with the Italian outfit.
Adding a defender will likely be a priority for West Ham manager David Moyes, particularly if the east Londoners secure European football for another season.
Craig Dawson has established himself as the Scotsman’s first-choice, with the likes of Angelo Ogbonna, Kurt Zouma and Issa Diop battling to partner him in defence, but the former suffered an ACL injury in November.
If the Irons are to once again juggle four competitions next term, adding greater squad depth will be crucial. Moyes’ side still have eight Premier League matches left to play, in addition to a Europa League quarter-final against Lyon as they look to secure European qualification once again.
Regardless of how West Ham end their season, securing the services of Milenkovic this summer after numerous failed attempts would be a huge boost for the Hammers and would certainly make Moyes’ selection in defence a more pleasant headache, with the Serbian likely to line up alongside either Dawson or Zouma as the first-choice centre-back pairing at the London Stadium.
With a better aerial duels record (3.2 per game), more tackles won (1.6 per match) and a superior passing success rate (90.2%) compared to the Irons’ current centre-backs, Milenkovic is a player who Moyes would surely love to have at the London Stadium.
In other news: West Ham handed major injury setback which could cost them Europe