Manchester United have reportedly had a bid knocked down for Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic.
United have been on the lookout for potential defensive reinforcements and have identified the 21 year old an alternative to strengthen their current squad. The Serbian defender had been scouted extensively by Jose Mourinho but United had failed to land the defender then.
Chief executive Ed Woodward would be hoping to add some names in the summer but a deal in this month could be possible if United can match their value. Milenkovic’ recent performance has garnered interest among other top clubs and the Florence giants have reportedly slapped a £45m price tag on the young defender.
Pre dominantly a centre back the Serbian has mostly played on the right side of the backline. A no nonsense defender, he has been likened to United legend Nemanja Vidic as his approach to the game is visibly the same.
Fiorentina CEO Pantaleo Corvino confirmed they rejected United’s advances for the defender. “We rejected great offers from Lyon for [Jordan] Veretout, from Marseille for Simeone and from Manchester United for Nikola Milenkovic.
“[Aurelio] De Laurentiis pressed for [Federico] Chiesa. This is the right way to grow.”
It remains to be seen whether United come back with an improved offer or come back in summer with more purpose.
