Fiorentina star Nikola Milenkovic 'open to Man United transfer'

Fiorentina star Nikola Milenkovic [Courtesy]

Fiorentina star Nikola Milenkovic is reportedly open to a switch to Manchester United amid rumours they could make a £30million swoop.

United are prioritising signing a central defender in the summer and have identified the 23-year-old as a potential target.

Milenkovic has also attracted interest from Liverpool and both clubs are said to have made enquiries over his availability.

Now a report from Corriere dello Sport (via The Sun) states Milenkovic is prepared to quit Fiorentina and push for the exit door if United come knocking.

His current club may have little choice but to accept a bid for him at the end of the season, when his contract enters its final 12 months.

The Serbian is not the only player on United's radar in that position but, given his contract situation, would offer a cut-price option to bolster their defence.

United have already seen Dayot Upamecano agree to join Bayern Munich, while they could be priced out of landing their other two targets.

Soccer Football - World Cup - Group E - Costa Rica vs Serbia - Samara Arena, Samara, Russia - June 17, 2018 Costa Rica's Marco Urena in action with Serbia's Nikola Milenkovic [REUTERS/Dylan Martinez]

RB Leipzig are keen not to let Ibrahima Konate go unless they can command a huge fee, while Sevilla want around £68million for Jules Kounde.

Fiorentina are still hopeful of persuading Milenkovic to sign a new deal, as their sporting director Daniele Prade revealed last month that discussions over an extension were underway.

"We are talking about it, these are situations that we will face but right now we have to think only of the pitch," Prade said.

"The team is responding, some results have been excellent, others less so. We just think about playing."

United may have to stump up more than £30m if Liverpool or any other clubs choose to rival them for Milenkovic's signature, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made clear earlier this month that he has the full support of the board in the transfer market.

“We've got a plan to become a very successful Man United team - and a team that top players want to play for," Solskjaer said.

“It's down to us to keep improving and getting closer to the trophies.

“I can't say anything about individuals. But we've got the backing.

“The owners keep backing the club and myself and hopefully we can improve the team."