Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic is likely to be playing Premier League football next season with Liverpool interested in the Serbia international, as reported by Fiorentina News.
At this stage, it is no secret that a 6ft 4ins centre-half is packing his bags and preparing to kiss the picturesque Florence skyline behind.
Fiorentina’s sporting director Daniele Prade admitted all the way back in October that Milenkovic would be sold if he decided against extending a contract which is due to expire in 2022 (Sempre Milan).
Four months on, that new deal remains un-signed. A summer departure has now gone from possible to probable.
Milans AC and Inter have both been linked with the so-called ‘new Nemanja Vidic’ but, according to reports coming out of Florence, the chances of Milenkovic being sold to a direct Serie A rival are slim.
The Premier League is apparently the most likely destination for a Belgrade-born 23-year-old, with Liverpool and Manchester United expected to go head-to-head for his sought-after signature.
La Nazione believe that Fiorentina may be forced to accept offers of around £17 million (far less than their initial price-tag of £40 million) with Milenkovic due to become a free agent in just over a year.
If Anfield is to be his destination, much will depend on how Ozan Kabak adapts to life on Merseyside. Liverpool have the option to sign their Schalke loanee on a permanent basis when the season comes to an end.
Like Kabak, Milenkovic is a right-footed centre-half capable of slotting in alongside Virgil van Dijk at the heart of Jurgen Klopp’s back four.
“(Milenkovic) could easily play at clubs like Manchester United, Juventus, Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. Milenkovic is already ready for these teams,” Ivica Iliev, who worked with the defender at Partizan Belgrade, told Labora Viola.
“£40 million for Milenkovic would be fair considering he is a defender. (He has) incredible potential.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
