Fiorentina eye ‘next Milenkovic’ as Serie A scouts descend on Belgrade

Fiorentina are hot on the trail of Partizan Belgrade’s Strahinja Pavlovic as they look for another Nikola Milenkovic, but Bologna are also interested. Scouts from four Serie A clubs, including Fiorentina, are reportedly due to attend next Thursday’s Europa League tie between Partizan and Manchester United.
Reports in Serbia claim two of them, La Viola and Bologna, are set to make a form check on talented Partizan defender Pavlovic.
The 18-year-old centre-back was the subject of much Italian interest over the summer, with first Juventus and then Lazio being linked to him.
Lazio had a bid accepted by Partizan, who are known to be the biggest talent factory in Serbia, but alleged problems with the medical scuppered the deal and the Belgrade club persuaded him to sign a new deal.
Marseille are also reported to be very interested in the uncompromising centre-half.
Hotsport speculate that Fiorentina could be eyeing up Pavlovic as a possible replacement for their ex-Partizan defender Milenkovic, who could be set for a big-money move away from La Viola.
On the other hand, Bologna – who have a Serbian coach in Sinisa Mihajlovic – spent big money this summer, primarily on attacking players, and now need to address their creaking back-line, so Pavlovic could be the ideal player for them in that regard.
Two Italian giants are also expected to send representatives to next Thursday’s Europa League clash between Partizan and United, with AC Milan and Roma tipped to attend, but not specifically for Pavlovic.
Both clubs are on the lookout to see if there could be any prospects for them in the January transfer window, while Roma will also want to check on the progress being made by their on-loan Partizan forward Umar Sadiq.