Manchester United have allegedly earmarked Fiorentina defender Nikola Milenkovic as their top January transfer targets.

United head-coach Jose Mourinho was keen on bringing in a new centre-back during the summer but failed to secure the signature of any of his targets, and, now the Portuguese boss is expected to be active in the new year.

According to Sky in Italy, that could lead to an approach for Fiorentina centre-back Nikola Milenkovic with the Serbian having emerged as one of the top young talents in the Italian football.

The 21-year-old defender has helped Viola to the second-best defensive record in Serie A’s top flight, with only 10 goals being conceded in the 12 games.

Milenkovic still has more than three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract, leaving the Red Devils in a position where they may have to bid somewhere in the region of £50m in order to begin negotiations with the defender.

Manchester United have conceded 21 goals in their 12 Premier League matches this season.