Transfer News: Tottenham make contact to sign Nikola Milenkovic

Tottenham Hotspur has emerged as a potential destination for Nikola Milenkovic as the centre-back prepares to leave Fiorentina.

A recent report from Viola News has offered an update on the future of Nikola Milenkovic. The Fiorentina defender is almost guaranteed to leave the club in the summer, with his current contract expiring at the end of next season. The Serie A giants were holding out for €25 million but are ready to cash in on a slightly lower fee.

It has put Tottenham on red alert, with the Premier League giants even initiating contact with Fali Ramadani, Milenkovic’s agent. England seems the likely destination for the Fiorentina centre-back, who joined the Violas back in 2017 from his hometown club Partizan Belgrade.

The defender has since enjoyed immense success, notching up 133 competitive appearances for Fiorentina. His imposing 1.95m frame has truly made him a defensive stalwart for the Florence-based outfit, even though the club have consistently struggled to establish themselves on the higher end of the league.

Milenkovic, nevertheless, has attracted a lot of attention due to his defensive work ethic combined with his exceptional physique. It is almost tailor-made for the physically astute nature of the Premier League. It is perhaps why West Ham were also interested in the Serbian before being rebuffed by Fiorentina.

However, Tottenham appear to be willing to meet Milenkovic’s valuation as new coach Nuno Espirito Santo hopes to shore up his defensive options in the summer. The former Wolves coach is a defence-oriented tactician in general, so the addition of the 23-year-old could add that much-needed solidity at the back for the Lilywhites.

Milenkovic is not the only option courted by Nuno, though, with Spurs also being linked with another Serie A defender in Takehiro Tomiyasu. Much like the Serbian, the Bologna centre-back, too, boasts a tall frame – giving him a considerable advantage in both aerial and physical duels.

The appointment of Fabio Paratici as the sporting director has witnessed an increased number of Serie A players being linked with a switch to Tottenham this summer. In fact, the Lilywhites are among the clubs keeping a close eye on Lorenzo Insigne, as the Italian international is poised to face difficulties in extending his current deal at Napoli.

However, it will be interesting to see how Paratici goes about his business when it comes to offloading unwanted players. The likes of Eric Dier and Davinson Sanchez face an uncertain future in north London, as Tottenham brace themselves for a potential squad overhaul.