Angelo Ogbonna left West Ham this summer

West Ham United ready move to seal Angelo Ogbonna replacement transfer already

Jonny is a University of Leeds journalism graduate who became part of the FootballInsider team in Spring 2024, and recently worked as Head of Media for Widnes Vikings Rugby League club. Writing as a freelance reporter and commentator for The Sporting News and StatsPerform, he has covered matches in competitions including the FIFA Men's and Women's World Cups, as well as the Champions League, Women's Euro 2022, Six Nations and the Rugby Union World Cup.

Published on:

17 Jun 2024, 11:40 am

West Ham United could ready a move to sign Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic very soon, according to TBR Football.

Graeme Bailey has reported that the Hammers are one of several Premier League clubs monitoring the progress of Milenkovic, including Tottenham and Aston Villa.

Milenkovic excelled in marshalling Harry Kane despite Serbia's 1-0 loss to England in their Euro 2024 opener on 16 June, and that performance has put the centre-back back on the radar.

The Irons waved goodbye to Angelo Ogbonna at the end of the season ahead of his departure on a free transfer, and they could re-ignite their previous interest to replace the Italian veteran [Gianluca Di Marzio].

Nikola Milenkovic transfer exactly what West Ham United need

Julen Lopetegui has made no secret of his attempts to lead a huge defensive overhaul this summer, with centre-back being one position that needs the most attention of the six identified by Lopetegui [Evening Standard].

Ogbonna's departure has further necessitated the chase for replacements in central defence with the Spaniard's former Wolves captain Max Kilman reportedly a target [The Sun].

West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui is on the hunt for central defenders this summer.

Question marks also hang over the futures of Nayef Aguerd and captain Kurt Zouma, implying that the Hammers could field a new-look centre-back pairing next season, of which Milenkovic would be an integral defensive pillar [Sunday People].

Brazilian international Fabricio Bruno's move to looked to have fallen through, but recent reports suggest that talks are back on in an early boost to the Irons' hopes of replenishing the defence [GOAL].

For European and international pedigree though, few realistic targets come close to Milenkovic, and if the 26-year-old Serb swaps the purple of Fiorentina for the claret and blue of the London Stadium, West Ham fans can look forward to a much-improved defence next season.

In other West Ham news, national media have reacted after Jarrod Bowen’s cameo in England v Serbia.

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West Ham United

Angelo Ogbonna

Harry Kane

Nikola Milenkovic