Tottenham Hotspur have carried out a ‘survey’ regarding Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic, according to Italian newspaper La Nazione, as relayed by Fiorentina.it (via Sport Witness).
The lowdown: Hot property
Previously linked with the likes of Manchester United, West Ham and Newcastle, Milenkovic has already been heavily touted with a switch to the Premier League in recent transfer windows.
However, the 24-year-old Serbia international opted to sign a new deal in Florence to remain at the Serie A club last summer, extending his stay until 2023 having joined from boyhood club Partizan Belgrade in 2017 for £4.95m (Transfermarkt).
Despite that contract renewal with La Viola, Milenkovic is once again appearing in the sights of numerous suitors, and Tottenham are believed to be among the contenders…
The latest: Spurs run the rule over Milenkovic
As per Fiorentina.it (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed that Inter Milan, Juventus and Spurs are in the mix to sign the 37-cap centre-back.
It’s suggested that the defender has a ‘gentlemen’s agreement’ with Fiorentina which would allow the Serb to move on should suitable offers be forthcoming, with the club asking the 24-year-old to give them a definitive answer on his future by Thursday at the latest.
The report also states that Tottenham have ‘already done a survey’ regarding Milenkovic, who was hailed as a ‘sensational defender’ by Juventus striker and ex-Fiorentina team-mate Dusan Vlahovic when speaking to Sky Italy (via ACF Fiorentina).
The verdict: Make it happen
The Lilywhites have already suitably strengthened the centre-back department with the loan capture of Clement Lenglet from Barcelona, but with Japhet Tanganga and Joe Rodon both strongly linked with exits from Hotspur Way, there remains room in the squad for at least one further quality addition into Antonio Conte’s ranks.
Already into the final 12 months of that aforementioned contract, signing Milenkovic – who currently has an estimated market value of £18m – would be a wholly affordable option for Fabio Paratici and ENIC to pursue.
Last season, the 6 foot 5 powerhouse scored three times in 38 appearances across all competitions, earning a 7.00 Sofascore rating whilst making 2.7 clearances and 1.1 interceptions and winning 5.1 duels per Italian top-flight outing.
Sharing similar stylistic traits to the likes of Stefan de Vrij, Harry Maguire and Ibrahima Konate (FBRef), signing a player of Milenkovic’s ilk to partner Cristian Romero at the back would be a superb coup for Tottenham.
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