West Ham in advanced talks to sign Nikola Milenkovic as Tottenham left behind in race

Transfer update: Arsenal 'plan' player-plus-cash Maddison move

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

West Ham are in advanced talks with Fiorentina over the signing of centre-back Nikola Milenkovic. Express Sport understands the Hammers are now hopeful of agreeing a fee with La Viola after stepping up their pursuit of the Serbian international earlier this week, as reported in our weekly column Taylor’s Tuesday Transfers.

The West Ham hierarchy recently held discussions with Chelsea over the signing of Kurt Zouma but were priced out of a move for the Frenchman.

David Moyes and the board were willing to pay around £20million for the former Stoke and Everton loanee.

However, Chelsea made it clear that they were holding out for closer to £30m as West Ham walked away from the table.

They have instead set their sights on Milenkovic, a player that was closely monitored during the January transfer window earlier this year.

JUST IN: Pep Guardiola ‘planning position change’ for Jack Grealish in rotational role at Man City

Fiorentina are now open to selling the 23-year-old, who is now in the final year of his contract.

The Serie A club are set to bring in former Manchester City defender Matija Nastasic as his replacement, according to reports in Italy.

Express Sport understands West Ham are now close to satisfying Fiorentina’s valuation of the player but there are still several significant details to resolve before an agreement is in place.

The Irons are thought to be willing to pay up to £17million for the player after initially offering around £14m.

DON’T MISS
Leicester ‘respond’ to James Maddison swap deal offer from Arsenal
Pep Guardiola ‘planning position change’ for Jack Grealish in rotational role at Man City
Romelu Lukaku ‘agrees personal terms with Chelsea’ as ‘Inter eye two stars in swap deal’

West Ham have struggled to bring new faces through the door as they prepare to expand their squad to combat European commitments this season.

Matheus Pereira was a potential option for the Hammers and initial talks were held with the players’ representatives.

The Brazilian has now joined Saudi side Al Hilal on a permanent deal from West Brom.

Tottenham have also shown an interest in Milenkovic as they look to replace Toby Alderweireld, although they are yet to bid for the player.

Do you want an exclusive pre-season preview for YOUR club – both in your inbox and through your letterbox? Head over here to find out more and secure your copy.

Fabio Paratici is said to hold the centre-back in high regard from his time in Italy with Juventus.

Milenkovic is still amongst the names on Tottenham’s radar and he was part of a contingency plan drawn up by Spurs in case they failed to land Cristian Romero.

The club weighed up the idea of signing three new centre-backs at around £20m each, as opposed to blowing a big sum on one individual player.

Tottenham are now on the verge of sealing the £43m signing of Romero after agreeing a deal with Atalanta.

Spurs still want to sign another defender though with Bologna’s Takehiro Tomiyasu amongst potential options.

Source: Read Full Article