Manchester United and Liverpool battling for Fiorentina star

David Lynch

• Updated: 19 May 2021 15:43 BST
• 2 min read

Manchester United and Liverpool are battling it out to sign Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic, according to reports.

The 23-year-old will be a year out from the expiry of his contract when the season comes to a close, and his current employers are keen to cash in to avoid losing their man for free.

Milenkovic has attracted interest from two of the Premier League’s leading lights, with Manchester United leading the race, Correire dello Sport believe.

But whoever snares the centre-back will have to shell out as much as £30m to land him.

Manchester United?

With Harry Maguire, Eric Bailly, Victor Lindelof, Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe in their squad, United are fairly well stocked in the centre-back department.

But, with first-choice duo Maguire and Lindelof having failed to convince so far this season, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is keen on strengthening in that position.

Milenkovic could be viewed a relatively cost-effective option given his contract situation – something that would appeal if the Red Devils are to reignite their interest in Jadon Sancho.

Liverpool?

Jurgen Klopp’s centre-back injury crisis should have abated by the start of next season, but he still needs fresh blood in that position after going into this campaign with just three senior options at his disposal.

With Ozan Kabak’s loan from Schalke featuring an option – not an obligation – to buy, there is no guarantee he will still be at Anfield next term.

Milenkovic offers the sort of balance between experience and room for improvement that is likely to appeal to Klopp as he looks to strengthen at the back.