Spurs have overtaken Premier League rivals West Ham United in the race for Nikola Milenkovic with Fabio Paratici opening talks for the Fiorentina defender, as reported by Viola News.
It’s no coincidence that, since making the former Juventus chief their new sporting director, Tottenham Hotspur have been linked with a hatful of Serie A stars.
The London giants are apparently keen on Dejan Kulusevski, Alessio Romagnoli and, if reports are to be believed, are stepping up their interest in Dusan ‘the next Zlatan Ibrahimovic’ Vlahovic.
And with Paratici now pulling the strings, it’s no surprise Tottenham suddenly appear to be the most likely destination for a 6ft 5in central defender who recently rejected the chance to extend a contract that expires in 2022.
Nikola Milenkovic may be heading to Spurs rather than West Ham
Fiorentina have little choice but to sell Milenkovic this summer.
Viola News believes the Serbia international is valued at about £22 million, with Fiorentina rejecting an initial £17 million bid from West Ham.
It remains to be seen whether the Hammers return with a follow-up offer now local rivals Tottenham appear to have their foot pinned on the accelerator.
Paratici has opened talks with Milenkovic’s agent, the influential Fali Ramadani.
A long-awaited move to England appears to be edging ever closer for a man who, in addition to his defensive skills, is renowned for his effectiveness at the other end of the pitch.
Milenkovic has scored eight goals from centre-half in the past two Serie A seasons.
“We will try to renew Milenkovic’s contract,” Viola director Daniele Prade said in October 2020.
“If he doesn’t accept, we will sell (him) next year.”
Now, with Milenkovic resisting Fiorentina’s attempts to tie him down, the time has arrived to cash in.
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