Strong chance West Ham sign Milenkovic this summer, says journalist

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West Ham were apparently close to signing Nikola Milenkovic from Fiorentina during the most recent summer transfer window and remain keen.

Give Me Sport claim that the deal could actually get over the line when the summer market gets underway.

David Moyes still needs improved defensive cover, especially if his side find themselves in European competition again next term.

Journalist Pete O’Rourke said: “The deal was close to being done, before I think personal terms, maybe with the agent, saw the move fall through.

“So maybe those issues have been resolved. There’s a real possibility this deal could happen.”

“(Milenkovic) could easily play at clubs like Manchester United, Juventus, Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich. Milenkovic is already ready for these teams,” former Partizan Belgrade director Ivica Iliev explains.

“£40 million for Milenkovic would be fair. (He has) incredible potential.” 

The defender is expected to depart the Serie A outfit when the market opens in June, it is just a case of who he goes to and for how much.

Manchester United are apparently watching, although of course we don’t even know who their manager for next season will be at this stage.

Last summer, Milenkovic signed a one-year contract extension until the summer of 2023, which means that Fiorentina will get some money for him but not as much as they might have done.

Inter reportedly believe that around £12.5 million and £2.5 million in annual wages is a bid which would entice their Serie A rivals.

That is more than affordable for West Ham and would leave budget free to improve other areas of the team.