Tottenham Hotspur are exhibiting curiosity in Nikola Milenkovic and are set to hold out the groundwork over a possible deal within the coming days…
What’s the phrase?
That’s in line with Italian newspaper Corriere Fiorentino (through Sport Witness), who declare that Spurs are amongst a number of groups eyeing the Serbian centre-back.
The likes of Serie A rivals Inter Milan and Juventus, in addition to Atletico Madrid, are stated to be eager.
It’s thought that the north Londoners will do ‘in-depth research’ over a transfer and that La Viola’s asking worth is within the area of €15m (£12m).
Cut price signing for Spurs?
Spurs boss Antonio Conte has witnessed a busy summer time within the switch market to this point, with sporting director Fabio Paratici sealing a complete of six new gamers.
And he may seal a cut price seventh within the type of Milenkovic, who would add so much to the Italian’s backline.
They’ve already introduced in Clement Lenglet from Barcelona on an preliminary mortgage deal however additional energy in depth wouldn’t harm with the Lilywhites competing within the Champions League this time period.
Conte should rotate his beginning XI commonly to stay aggressive throughout all competitions and two matches every week will quickly change into the norm, significantly this facet of Christmas.
At simply £12m, it might be a low-risk and sensible funding from Paratici and co because the Fiorentina colossus has excelled in current seasons. Final time period, he completed the marketing campaign as La Viola’s fifth-best performer, proving simply how essential he was to their type.
While previously, Milenkovic has been lauded as a “beast” by his former Partizan head coach Ivan Tomic and dubbed “probably the most proficient centre-back Serbia have had since [Nemanja] Vidic” by Mozzart journalist Dejan Stankovic.
Curiously, it’s one other Manchester United defender that he’s much like, in line with FBref, who liken his statistical profile to that of Harry Maguire. That will ship alarm bells ringing however that isn’t essentially a nasty factor, given he’s skilled within the Premier League and was adequate for Leicester Metropolis for the Purple Devils to splash £80m on him.
Ought to Spurs spend £12m on Milenkovic?
YES!
NO!
Additionally through the identical statistical web site, the Serbia worldwide ranked inside the highest 6% for aerial duels received (76.7%) within the Serie A final season, which is hardly a shock given he stands at a whopping 6 foot 5 and goes to point out that he’s an absolute monster within the air and one which may give Spurs a risk in both field.
Elsewhere, Milenkovic additionally ranked inside the highest 10% for passes tried (64.50 per 90) and the highest 11% for passes accomplished (57.92 per 90), proving to be equally adept with the ball at his ft, identical to a sure Maguire.
This form of skillset is correct up Conte’s road, so Paratici should push forward and submit a proper supply for the centre-back, who seems to be accessible for an absolute cut price this summer time.
AND in different information, Spurs in “new discussions” to signal £42m “genius” this week, he’s Conte’s lacking piece...
