Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly prioritized a move for Nikola Milenkovic, valued at around £13 million this summer.
According to The Times, Tottenham Hotspur are increasingly keen on getting their hands on Nikola Milenkovic. The Fiorentina centre-back is tipped to leave the Serie A club in the summer and is valued at around £13 million.
West Ham United were initially interested in making a move but have now ceded their pursuit. It has put Spurs on red alert, with the club ready to prise away from Fiorentina as a potential alternative to another top target Takehiro Tomiyasu.
Tottenham’s managing director Fabio Paratici is well aware of Milenkovic’s quality, having known him since his days at Fiorentina. He is thus keen on acquiring his services, eyeing him as part of a bigger defensive overhaul that has seen Cristian Romero arrive from Atalanta earlier this summer.
On the flip side, the experienced Toby Alderweireld has left the club in favour of a move to Al-Duhail. It has created a void in the Tottenham defensive unit, which Paratici intends to fill by adding Milenkovic in the ranks.
Formerly of Partizan Belgrade, the 23-year-old Serbian international has established himself as a top-class defender in Serie A, becoming an ever-present figure in the Fiorentina backline. He has notched up 134 competitive appearances for the club in just four years, building quite a reputation for his imposing 1.95m frame.
He is likely to fit in as a competitor for the defensive trio of Romero, Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez at Tottenham. With questions raised over the temerity of the defenders, his burgeoning presence at the back should offer much-needed variety for Nuno Espirito Santo this season.
Nikola Milenkovic is not the only option for Tottenham Hotspur, though. In fact, the Lilywhites are also in the market for Chelsea outcast Kurt Zouma, although a transfer appears to be unlikely. West Ham are also targetting the Frenchman, but he is keen on remaining at Stamford Bridge despite no guarantees over his game-time at the club.
Nevertheless, Spurs, on their part, are more than likely to make another defensive investment in the summer. The strong start to the season by beating defending champions Manchester City should certainly give the Tottenham board the additional motivation in their pursuit of these targets.
Milenkovic may likely become the next signing due to his past experience under Paratici and the £13 million price tag that makes him a potential bargain for Tottenham this summer.
