EXCLUSIVE: Fabrizio Romano confirms Nottingham Forest have now opened talks to sign 26-yr-old Fiorentina defender a Reds look to replace Niakhate

Fiorentina and Nottingham Forest have reportedly opened talks for Nikola Milenkovic’s transfer to the City Ground. According to Fabrizio Romano, the Tricky Trees are serious about signing the Serbia international, with La Viola open to letting him go for the right price.
 

Formerly linked with several top Serie A clubs, Milenkovic has been loyal to Fiorentina since joining the club from Partizan Belgrade. The 26-year-old has been a first-team regular at the Stadio Artemio Franchi in recent years, establishing himself as one of the finest defenders in Italy.

However, problems with inconsistent performances and occasional blunders have derailed Milenkovic’s status at Fiorentina. Despite his recent decline, he made 34 league appearances under Vincenzo Italiano last term, helping La Viola reach the Europa Conference League final.

That could prove Milenkovic’s last game in the Fiorentina jersey. Nottingham Forest could be the Serbian’s next stop. Nuno Espirito Santo’s men are in the market for a new center-back after selling Moussa Niakhate to Lyon earlier in the summer.

Niakhate was a significant defensive cog in the Forest machine, and the Premier League minnows can’t afford to let his departure weaken their already fragile defense. They’ve already contacted Fiorentina to gather information about Milenkovic.

Fiorentina may be inclined to let Milenkovic leave after capturing the services of Nicolas Valentini from Boca Juniors. Though the Argentine is an exciting prospect for the future, it’s hard to exclude the possibility of Raffaele Palladino handing him regular first-team football next season.