According to Italian newspaper Corriere Fiorentino, as shared by Sport Witness, there has been a promising West Ham United transfer update involving Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic.

The Lowdown: Moyes set sights on new defender...

The Irons, and by extension manager David Moyes, have allegedly earmarked the signing of a defender as a real transfer priority ahead of this summer window.

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Indeed, club insider Claret & Hugh back that the club and Moyes have a 'desire' to 'strengthen the backline' with links emerging to the likes of Joe Worrall (Nottingham Forest) and James Tarkowski (Burnley).

As Moyes' transfer plan begins to take hold ahead of July 1, there has been a very promising twist out of Italy involving Milenkovic - a name Hammers will know all too well.

The Latest: West Ham enter pole...

Last summer, there were claims that the Serbia international was extremely close to a London Stadium move, with his bags even packed according to reports.

Now, as per Corriere Fiorentino (via SW), it appears West Ham are back in real contention to sign the 24-year-old.

According to the Italian source, Moyes' side are 'in first place' for Milenkovic ahead of other suitors with his report also backing that Moyes wants to add a new defender.

The Verdict: Get it done?

This move could hinder on West Ham's European status next season with the centre-back apparently eager to play on the biggest stage.

That being said, if Moyes' men achieve the brilliant landmark yet again for 2022/2023, we believe Milenkovic could be a shrewd option.

The 6 foot 4 powerhouse possesses a physicality tailor-made for the English top flight and has garnered real praise from some of the biggest footballing names on the continent.

Ex-teammate Dusan Vlahovic, for example, didn't hold back in his plaudits for Milenkovic - calling his international teammate a 'sensational defender' when speaking on Sky Italy in 2020 (via ACF Fiorentina).

His estimated market value of around £20.7 million is certainly reasonable, and given his contract at the Artemio Franchi Stadium expires in 2023, West Ham could be in a strong position to negotiate an even lower fee this summer.

In other news: Bigger and bigger: Insider now shares very promising off-field development at West Ham! Find out more here.