5 of the most in-demand youngsters in world football

#3 Nikola Milenkovic (Fiorentina)

Milenkovic is a wanted man

There are a lot of quality, young centre-backs in European football currently. It is safe to say, however, that few are as highly thought of as Fiorentina's Serbian giant

Milenkovic's rapid rise to hot prospect has been as steady as it has been quiet and deliberate. Until last season, he was just another prospect in the Serbian Super Liga for hometown club, Partizan Belgrade.

However, the Viola quickly spotted his talent and agreed on a €5.1m deal to bring him to the Stadio Artemio Franchi in June 2017. His performances were one of the highlights in a mediocre season for the club.

He did his growing reputation no harm with his imperious displays for Serbia at the World Cup. Strong in the air, rugged and sure-footed, his style is reminiscent of fellow Serbian Nemanja Vidic. Milenkovic however, models his game more in the style of Gerald Pique. He is unhurried in possession.

Fiorentina's manager, Stefano Pioli has drafted him as a right-back at times this season. While this position does not fully suit his style, it has helped him improve his passing and distribution.

Manchester United are the biggest club rumoured to be after him. It is a measure of how desperate Jose Mourinho is for his services that the Portuguese has gone to watch Milenkovic in action for both club and country.

His stats for the season have been very good, the Serbian has performed way better than any of the Red Devils current centre-backs.