West Ham sparked a gentleman’s agreement for a top class David Moyes target ahead of the summer claims a new report.
Hammers fans who followed last summer’s transfer window talk will be familiar with the name Nikola Milenkovic.
By all accounts the Serbian defender – dubbed ‘the new Nemanja Vidic’ – came very close to signing for West Ham for around £35m.
At one point the Milenkovic deal was being reported as done.
But as reported by the New York Times and Football Italia it emerged that reported agents fees totalling a staggering £11m saw the Serbian defender’s transfer to West Ham collapse.
When the move did not materialise, the player signed a new contract at Fiorentina and West Ham signed Kurt Zouma for £29m from Chelsea.
But that is not the end of the story for West Ham and Milenkovic it seems.
Because according to a new report from Corriere Fiorentino, West Ham’s failed move directly resulted in a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ being struck between Milenkovic’s agents and Fiorentina that he will be allowed to leave for a ‘reasonable price’ this summer.
Corriere Fiorentino (print edition March 25th, page 10) claim the contract extension which followed West Ham’s bid was nothing more than a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ between him, his agent and the club whereby the defender will be effectively guaranteed the right to leave La Viola this summer.
Milenkovic is believed to be Moyes’s prime target as the long-term successor to Angelo Ogbonna at West Ham.
West Ham have missed Ogbonna not only for his influence and leadership but the fact he is left-footed.
Having that balance in central defence is something West Ham have sorely lacked since Ogbonna, who turns 34 in May, was struck down with an ACL injury in November.
Milenkovic is very much both-footed, being comfortable with the ball on either foot. And keen observers of the Serb will note he is brilliant in the tackle with both his left and right foot.
So it is easy to see why Moyes sees him as a potential West Ham centre-back for the long-term.
Corriere Fiorentino claim the Hammers still have Milenkovic in their sights, as do Inter Milan.
With Craig Dawson also turning 32 in May, West Ham must start looking to the future.
And Moyes faces a big rebuild at the club in the summer with as many as 10 players required.
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