According to Italian newspaper Corriere Fiorentino (via Sport Witness), there has been a promising West Ham transfer update involving Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic.

The lowdown: Long-standing admirers

The Hammers have been extensively linked with a move for a central defender for some time and the 24-year-old Serbian ace has often been among the leading contenders to come in under David Moyes, with the player himself even commenting on a failed move last year.

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With the summer transfer window now fast approaching, Moyes is seemingly likely to prioritise a centre-back with doubts remaining over the long term future of Angelo Ogbonna upon returning from a serious knee injury, when he will be out of contract.

There has now been a very promising update out of Italy regarding a move for the all too familiar Milenkovic...

The latest: Leading the charge

As per Corriere Fiorentino, translated by SW, the Hammers are said to be 'spearheading' the chase to sign the 33-cap Serbia international.

The report also claims that Serie A powerhouses Inter Milan and Juventus are keen on the centre-back who only signed a one-year contract extension in Florence last summer so the club could preserve his value.

Whilst there is no mention of a potential fee in this latest report, previously Calciomercato have cited a £26million asking price for the 6 foot 4 colossus that could give Head of Recruitment Rob Newman something to work towards.

The verdict: Better late than never

Having seemingly come close to bringing the Serbian to the London Stadium in 2021, West Ham could finally be about to land their man.

At present in the absence of Ogbonna, Moyes has been relying on Kurt Zouma, Craig Dawson and Issa Diop to keep the defence solid and would undoubtedly welcome an option of Milenkovic's ilk to the Hammers squad, especially if they have European football to contend with once more.

So far this season, the man described as 'extraordinary' by teammate Pol Lirola has helped keep six clean sheets in 26 Serie A outings, making 1.6 tackles, 3.1 clearances and winning 3.2 aerial duels per game, earning an impressive 7.06/10 average match rating (Sofascore).

In other news: West Ham insider make exciting striker claim, find out more here.