Fiorentina have not given up hope of convincing Nikola Milenkovic to sign a new contract and to overlook interest from Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham, per TuttoMercatoWEB.
Milenkovic is in the final year of his contract with La Viola, but seems destined to leave this summer instead. West Ham had made progress with their pursuit of the centre-back, who now holds a prominent place on Fabio Paratici’s radar as he bolsters the Tottenham ranks.
Yet Giuseppe Lachini’s Artemio Franchi Stadium natives want to keep hold of their Serbian enforcer and are now making a last-ditch attempt to convince him to stay. Fiorentina are preparing a contract to present to Milenkovic, who earns £25k-p/w, over the coming days.
Sporting Director Daniele Prade and General Director Joe Barone are driving La Viola’s bid to convince the 23-year-old. However, if Milenkovic turns down their new terms, Fiorentina will have to sell the West Ham and Tottenham target.
Reports by Corriere dello Sport note Fiorentina will want €17m (£14.5m) if they are forced to sell Milenkovic. West Ham increased their opening €13m (£11m) bid to €16m (£13.5m), as well, but faced difficulties in their pursuit.
That’s according to TuttoMercatoWEB, who claim the final hurdle between the Irons and La Viola was the commission the 28-cap star’s agent, Nicolas Burdisso, demanded. But soon after, Sky Sports reported talks were off and Tottenham were now targeting Milenkovic.
Fiorentina have now placed a new hurdle in Tottenham’s path to signing Milenkovic that West Ham never reached by presenting him with a new contract. Spurs will also face the same hurdles as the Hammers in La Viola’s asking price and Burdisso’s commission, too.
Should Tottenham pay Fiorentina asking price for West Ham target Milenkovic?
West Ham may revive their interest in Milenkovic if Burdisso lowers his demands and the Tottenham target rejects Fiorentina’s offer. A circa-£15m fee for the Serbian could prove a real steal for either London rival, given the centre-half’s Viola performances.
Milenkovic is an imposing and ever-present presence in defence, having played at least 34 games in the last three terms. He also offered at least three goals in each of the past three Serie A seasons. And uses his 6 ft 5 frame to shadow over strikers and dominate in the air.
It is no wonder Prade and Barone are loath to see Milenkovic leave Fiorentina for West Ham or Tottenham. His confidence to step up and win possession or take control in one-on-ones is remarkable. Yet his contract expiring in 2022 opens the door for a suitor to swoop and offer La Viola some compensation.
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