West Ham locked in talks with Fiorentina for Nikola Milenkovic but could be rivalled by Juventus

West Ham locked in talks with Fiorentina for defender Nikola Milenkovic but could be rivalled by Serie A giants Juventus for the £14m-rated Serbian as David Moyes weighs up moves for Liverpool’s Nat Phillips and Marseille’s Duje Caleta-Car

  • Nikola Milenkovic is West Ham’s top target after a move for Kurt Zouma stalled 
  • The Serbian defender only has a year remaining on his contract with Fiorentina 
  • The Hammers are also interested in signing a striker and a left-back this month

West Ham remain in talks over a move for Nikola Milenkovic but are braced for a rival challenge from Juventus.

Fiorentina defender Milenkovic has emerged as West Ham’s top central defensive target after a move for Chelsea’s Kurt Zouma stalled.

Milenkovic, 23, has a year left on his contract and is valued at around £14m.

West Ham are in talks to sign Nikola Milenkovic but face stiff competition from Juventus

The Hammers have also been linked with a move for Liverpool defender Nat Phillips

The Hammers have also been linked with a move for Liverpool defender Nat Phillips

Juventus have just allowed their centre-back Merih Demiral to join Atalanta – West Ham’s pre-season friendly opponents tomorrow – in a move that has helped pave the way for Christian Romero to join Tottenham and could now turn to Milenkovic.

Milenkovic is mulling over West Ham’s interest with Juventus a potential obstacle for the Londoners should they decide to make a move for the Serbian.

Rennes’s Nayef Aguerd, Liverpool’s Nat Phillips and Marseille’s Dujan Caleta-Car are other defensive options West Ham have considered.

West Ham have added goalkeeper Alphonse Areola to the squad that impressively finished sixth last season to qualify for the Europa League.

As well as a centre-back they are also in the market for a striker and left-back before the transfer deadline at the end of the month.

Marseille's Croatian international defender Duje Caleta-Car (right) is also on West Ham's radar

Marseille’s Croatian international defender Duje Caleta-Car (right) is also on West Ham’s radar

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