Transfer Rumors: West Ham's Chase For Fiorentina Defender Takes Hit; Juventus In Play

West Ham United is bent on acquiring Nikola Milenkovic from Fiorentina, who is set to leave this summer.

However, it appears the Hammers will have to slug it out with another team--with reports that Juventus is also making a way to recruit the 23-year-old Serbian.

The Serie A giants are on the prowl for a player who can fill in the void left by Merih Demiral.

The Turkish national is set to move to Atalanta on loan to take the place of Tottenham-bound Cristian Romero, Calcio Mercato reported.

Hence, West Ham will have to find a way to outbid Juventus for the services of the defender.

If they are not careful, they could miss out on Milenkovic especially with the thought that most teams prefer to move to Juventus like most budding stars.

Juventus has been the top choice for most, proof of which is why Manuel Locatelli is leaning more toward joining the Turin giants.

Arsenal has the 23-year-old Italian on their radar, but Locatelli reportedly prefers a move to the Allianz Stadium over the Emirates Stadium. The case is seen likely the same for Milenkovic.

Ironically, Tottenham was also interested in potentially taking in Milenkovic. While they could have spent less, all that was scorned after word got out that they opted to pursue Romero instead.

An official announcement from Tottenham on the signing of Romero is expected to be made soon.

Aside from Milenkovic, Kurt Zouma of Chelsea was also reportedly a target by The Irons.

However, West Ham appears more inclined to pursue a deal for Milenkovic, Sky Sports reported.

West Ham is moving with a sense of urgency to fill its center-back void. Angelo Ogbonna is nursing an injury although the 33-year-old is expected to be back in harness.

Regardless, it also shows how limited the options of David Moyes is at center-back, a reason why potentially adding Milenkovic makes sense.

For now, the Hammers’ chances will depend on Milenkovic himself. Although most feel that the Serbian is leaning on a move to Juventus, anything is possible until he formally signs on the dotted line.