Which young centre-back has attracted interest of Manchester City?

In the Summer of 2019 Vincent Kompany’ s Manchester City contract is set to expire. The unthinkable may well be about to happen and our Club Captain may well move on.

A club the size of Manchester City are obviously preparing for this eventuality and fan forums have reported for some time that club scouts have been dispatched to watch other centre-backs.

Across all the major leagues, City have been watching centre backs, looking at a combination of attributes and price in an attempt to achieve the best long term deal possible.

Manchester City have clear transfer market priorities and it’s therefore no surprise that the Club are looking at signing a young centre-back, with proven battling qualities, who can become a staple part of our side for many years to come.

Fans have felt comfortable with Kompany and the physical presence he brings to our team, especially against teams which play hard against us. Finding an equally combative defender is what we all feel we need.

Reports have emerged from Italy that City have been scouting a young player who may well fit the bill. Nikola Milenkovic is a 20 year old Serbian centre back currently playing for Fiorentina in Serie A.

He is a tall and imposing player who stands at 6 foot 5 inches who would add some much needed height to our small side. He is comfortable with the ball and in his 6 Serie A appearances so far this season he has scored 2 goals.

Milenkovic started his career in Serbia and won two trophies with Partizan Belgrade, the Serbian Championship and the Serbian  Cup. His recent performances have brought him to the attention of the national team manager and he has become a regular starter.

Transfermarkt reports he is under contract to Fiorentina until 30 June 2022 and suggests he is valued at around £15 million. His profile and price certainly reflects the kind of centre back we may be looking to recruit and knowing how well City have concluded their transfer business in recent years, it would not be a surprise if they sought to bring the player in before the Summer in order to allow him to settle into the team.

Presumably Milenkovic will be aware he is being scouted by Manchester City so hopefully his performances continue to be as good in Serie A. So whilst we may have to say goodbye to Kompany we may be lining up his replacement already.