West Ham target Nikola Milenkovic reportedly ‘rejected’ the opportunity to join the club last summer.
The 24-year-old Fiorentina centre-back was high on the list of priorities for the Hammers and at times it appeared as though a deal was close.
West Ham are edging closer to a deal with Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic for around £14million
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 9, 2021
However, the move never materialised and instead, David Moyes added Kurt Zouma to the ranks.
Now an interview from journalist Angelo Giorgetti in TuttoJuve has claimed that the Serbian international was the one who pulled the plug on the switch.
I can only say that Milenkovic is a high-level defender who rejected West Ham last summer – the deal was practically done – and is very close to Vlahovic.
Since seemingly turning down the opportunity to arrive at the London Stadium, Milenkovic has earned an impressive 7.06 average Sofascore rating from 22 Serie A outings this season.
Overall, the 32-cap ace has scored three times in 26 appearances across all competitions for Vincenzo Italiano’s side in 2021/22.
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Valued at £20.7million and under contract in Florence until 2023 (Transfermarkt), signing the Serb still remains a possibility in the future.
Already an experienced operator at the top level, Milenkovic is expected to move onto a new challenge sooner rather than later.
Given the uncertainty of Angelo Ogbonna’s recovery and return, Irons’ boss David Moyes would be wise to consider another swoop for the powerful defender.
