Manchester United 'are ready to step up their pursuit of £38m-rated centre back Nikola Milenkovic' as they search for a new partner for Harry Maguire... with Fiorentina star refusing to sign new deal
* Manchester United are setting in motion transfer plans for the summer window
* Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to bolster his resources in central defence
* Fiorentina star Nikola Milenkovic has emerged possible partner to Harry Maguire
* Serbia international is 6ft 5in powerhouse and has impressed in Serie A
Manchester United are 'ready to step up their pursuit' of Nikola Milenkovic with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer keen on the Fiorentina defender.
United want to bolster their resources at centre-back and find a long-term partner for Harry Maguire.
The Sun report that United are ready to make a move for the £38million-rated 23-year-old this summer and claim he will refuse a new deal with the Serie A side.
Manchester United are reportedly ready to step up their pursuit of Nikola Milenkovic
Milenkovic's contract expires in 2022 so Fiorentina's hand could be forced if they want to recoup a fee for him, rather than risk losing him for free at the end of next season.
The Old Trafford club may not have it all their own way as Chelsea are also understood to be keeping tabs on the Serbian.
AC Milan may also consider a move if they are unable to secure Chelsea loanee Fikayo Tomori having been impressed with the Englishman so far.
The Serbian defender is a mainstay for club and country and a dominant force at the back. Milenkovic could be the long-term partner at the back United want with Harry Maguire
Eric Bailly's future with United is in doubt with no movement in talks over a new deal and the Ivory Coast star wants guaranteed play time.
Maguire has regularly been paired with Victor Lindelof in the heart of defence but the 26-year-old's patchy injury record is of concern.
Milenkovic, however, has been a stalwart for Fiorentina, making more than 125 first team appearances since joining in 2017 from Partizan Belgrade.
The 6ft 5in defender is a powerhouse and United fans would no doubt hope the Serb could replicate his compatriot Nemanja Vidic's stellar career at Old Trafford should he join.
Code:
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-9475871/Manchester-United-ready-step-pursuit-38m-centre-Nikola-Milenkovic.html
the next Vidic?