AFC Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic is likely to join West Ham this summer with the club stalling over Kurt Zouma.
According to Sky Sports News, the Serie A centre-back is the ‘realistic option’ for David Moyes side as talks with Chelsea over the French international stall.
As per the report, West Ham are not willing to meet the £25m fee for Zouma.
The Blues are eager to offload the 26-year-old defender this summer with Jules Kounde looking likely to join this window.
However, West Ham are now viewing Milenkovic as the more realistic option in this window.
The 28-time Serbian international is one of the most appealing options available this summer in Serie A.
The defender impressed for La Viola last season. The Serb made 34 appearances, including a match where Milenkovic was able to keep Cristiano Ronaldo quiet against Juventus.
With Milenkovic’s contract expiring next year, Fiorentina are keen to make some money off their star defender.
Milenkovic would be a coup for West Ham
And West Ham could be the next destination for the centre-back, who was Tottenham were keen on earlier in the window.
Moreover, with West Ham competing in Europe next season, defensive quality will be key if the Hammers are to go far in the UEFA Europa League. And Milenkovic would be an ideal addition to the east London side.
The 23-year-old defender was compared to Manchester United legend Nemanja Vidic early in his career. Although the towering Serb might not reach the level of the Premier League icon, his quality is easy to see.
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