West ham United are interested in signing Nikola Milenkovic in a cut-price deal despite the defender penning a contract extension last summer.
According to Corriere Fiorentino (h/t Sport Witness), West Ham United have rekindled their interest in Nikola Milenkovic, with the Premier League side likely to make an offer in the summer. The Serbian signed a contract extension last August, but that should not be a big problem for prospective suitors.
Nikola Milenkovic was a man in demand last summer when many Premier League and Serie A sides targeted the central defender. However, Fiorentina were not keen on sanctioning his departure and worked hard to keep hold of their star man.
Since a move away never transpired, Milenkovic agreed on extending a deal that would have expired at the end of the current season. The defender only prolonged his stay by another year, meaning he would be free to leave in 2023, although Fiorentina may want a reasonable transfer fee this summer.
West Ham were deep in negotiations with Fiorentina back in the summer of last year to sign Milenkovic, as David Moyes desperately sought to bolster his defensive ranks. Despite signing Kurt Zouma from Chelsea, the Hammers boss wanted another player to partner with the Frenchman.
However, Zouma was the only defender signed by West Ham in the summer. The east London side also tried their hand on other players in January, but nothing came off. But they are now ready to rekindle their interest in Milenkovic ahead of the upcoming summer window.
Newcastle enquired about Milenkovic in the winter window, only to baulk at Fiorentina’s huge asking price in the middle of the season. The Serbian could be available for a reasonable price when the current season ends, as potential suitors will point towards the duration left on his present deal. The situation is precarious for the Serie A side, as clubs such as Manchester United are keeping tabs on the Serbian star.
West Ham will look to push ahead with their enquiry for Milenkovic and launch an offer in the summer. Moyes will hope to secure the Serbian and make him part of his long-term plans alongside Zouma. Fiorentina are expected to entertain offers of around €20 million, which is ideal considering the duration left on his contract.
There is also potential interest from other Serie A sides, which could become an issue for West Ham United. But, having extensively experienced Italian football with the Florence club, Milenkovic might be tempted by the prospect of playing in the Premier League.