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Man Utd transfer news: Chief confirms Red Devils bid for Jose Mourinho target 'REJECTED'
MANCHESTER UNITED have had a bid rejected for Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic, the club’s chief executive officer Pantaleo Corvino has claimed.
Former United manager Jose Mourinho was a big admirer of the Serbia international, who joined the Serie A side from FK Partizan in the summer of 2017.
The Portuguese scouted the 21-year-old - who has caught the eye of several clubs across Europe - in December whilst he was on international duty.
However, he wasn’t given the opportunity to add the defender to his squad as he was relieved of his duties last month.
United’s interest in Milenkovic was thought to have died when Mourinho was given his marching orders.
But according to Corvino, the Red Devils have made an approach for Fiorentina’s coveted centre-back.
“We rejected great offers from Lyon for [Jordan] Veretout, from Marseille for Simeone and from Manchester United for Nikola Milenkovic," Corvino told Gazetta dello Sport.
“[Aurelio] De Laurentiis pressed for [Federico] Chiesa. This is the right way to grow.”
Last month, it was suggested that United were in talks with Milenkovic’s agent over a January move to Old Trafford.
We rejected great offers from Lyon for [Jordan] Veretout, from Marseille for Simeone and from Manchester United for Nikola Milenkovic
So Corvino’s claim that Fiorentina have rejected a United for Milenkovic could very well be true.
Milenkovic has made 37 appearances for Fiorentina since joining the club and has flourished under Stefano Pioli’s stewardship.
The Viola have been thoroughly impressed by the youngster’s displays, so much so that they’ve slapped a £45million asking price on him.
Manchester United haven’t made any signings this month, and their caretaker manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer doesn’t plan on bringing any new faces to Old Trafford before the close of the transfer window.
"I'm happy with squad I've got," the Norwegian said.
"I don't expect anyone to come in but obviously if the club have targeted and identified a few and I think they might fit here, I'll give my thumbs up. But it's not just my decision.
"Nobody had to tell me I had loads of talented players [to inherit at United]. I can see that from outside."
United will next be in action on Tuesday night, welcoming relegation-threatened Burnley to Old Trafford.