Newcastle United look set to miss out on Partizan Belgrade centre-back Nikola Milenkovic, with Fiorentina agreeing a deal to sign the 19 year-old this summer, according to ESPN.
Reports in Serbia claimed in October last year that Newcastle United were closely monitoring the highly-rated defender, sending scouts over to watch the young centre-back.
This news will however dash any hopes Newcastle had of signing the 6ft 5 Serbian, with Fiorentina agreeing a fee of £4m with Partizan Belgrade, seeing Milenkovic join the Italian giants when the summer transfer window opens on July 1st.
With Chancel Mbemba currently out of favour and Grant Hanley struggling for game time, Rafa Benitez looks likely to recruit another centre-back to the ranks this summer. Questions have also been asked regarding Jamal Lascelles’ ability to handle the demands of Premier League football, should Newcastle United gain promotion back to the top flight.
This summer looks set to be another busy window for The Magpies and I fully expect a centre-half to be high on the agenda.
