According to a report by the Daily Express, West Ham United are in 'pole position' to sign Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic and 'remain in talks'.

The Lowdown: West Ham in defender chase...

As explained by club insider Claret & Hugh, strengthening the centre-half position has been a priority for manager David Moyes since the beginning of this window.

However, in recent weeks, signing a new defender and reinforcing West Ham's centre-back options has been placed at the top of GSB's transfer agenda - even ahead of the chase for an attacking midfielder and striker (ExWHUemployee).

Over these last few days, news has emerged of West Ham's interest and talks to sign either Milenkovic or Chelsea colossus Kurt Zouma (Sky Sports).

The Latest: West Ham in pole position for Milenkovic...

As per the Daily Express, Moyes' men are now in 'pole position' to sign the Serbian amid Tottenham's move for Atalanta star Cristian Romero.

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Their London rivals are said to be 'keen' on the Fiorentina centre-back but their prioritising of Romero has propelled West Ham to the front of the queue for Milenkovic.

This report adds that the Hammers 'remain in talks' over the 23-year-old, having held a strong interest since January.

The Verdict: Get it done...

After signing goalkeeper Alphonse Areola on loan from Paris-Saint Germain, we believe that Milenkovic should definitely be next through the door in east London.

Standing at a colossal 6 foot 5, the young defender won more aerial duels per game over 2020/21 (three) than any West Ham player bar Tomas Soucek and former Irons striker Sebastien Haller (WhoScored).

He is also a viable target financially, with reports suggesting he could leave Italy for as little as €15m (£12.7m) this summer (Charlie Eccleshare).

As explained by Italian football expert Conor Clancy, who spoke exclusively to Football Transfer Tavern, he could be an 'affordable' signing for Moyes or any English club, so West Ham need to do all they can to get this one over the line.

In other news: 'As of now'...Journalist says 'really exciting' 54-goal player close to West Ham move, find out more here.