Manchester United are eyeing a move for Fiorentina midfielder Milan Badelj in the summer as a midfield reinforcement, as per reports.
Italian outlet Firenzeviola have reported that Manchester United have turned their attention to Milan Badelj to strengthen their midfield, and are eyeing a move in the summer transfer window for the Fiorentina midfielder.
Milan Badelj has evolved into one of the most consistent midfielders in Europe since joining Fiorentina from Hamburg in the summer of 2014. The 27-year-old has been ever present for the Italian club in more than two years, and has featured in all but two games that Fiorentina have played this season.
The no nonsense defensive midfielder is known for keeping things simple as he guards his defence from the prying opposition attackers, thus providing stability to the midfield. Badelj doesn’t shy away from joining the attack every now and then either, with a return of 2 goals and 3 assists as well.
But while Badelj has established himself as a pivotal figure for La Viola, he has made no bones about looking for a move away from the club, having already rejected a contract renewal. His agent, Dejan Joksimovic, has already confirmed that they are in talks with clubs for a possible summer transfer, a year before his Fiorentina deal expires.
It has now emerged that Jose Mourinho is keen to bring Badelj to Manchester United, after he had the Croat scouted during Fiorentina’s 0-4 loss to AS Roma last week. It is believed that Mourinho is eyeing Badelj as a potential replacement for Michael Carrick, who is in the twilight of his career.
And although it is widely expected that Carrick will be rewarded that with a new one-year contract that will also see him take a pay cut, Mourinho is still keen to add a top class central midfielder to his squad in the summer.
The likes of AC Milan, Inter Milan and Chelsea have all been linked with Badelj in the past but none of these clubs have made a concrete offer to sign the 27-year-old.
Manchester United seem to be in the driver’s seat to bring Badelj in the summer, and it now remains to be seen if they place a bid for him when the transfer window opens in June. An €15 million should be enough to persuade Fiorentina into selling him, and the fee not pose a problem to the Premier League heavyweights.
