Exclusive: Nikola Milenković Emerges as Shock Newcastle Target With Sven Botman’s Fitness in Doubt

Newcastle are plotting an audacious swoop for Nottingham Forest’s Nikola Milenković if Sven Botman’s injury problems persist, SportsBoom can exclusively reveal.

Previously a mainstay of Eddie Howe’s starting eleven, Botman has not played since The Magpies win over Manchester City last month after being diagnosed with a back problem.

Having also been forced to undergo major knee surgery following an FA Cup tie against the same opponents during the early part of his career in the North-East, Botman’s long-term future on Tyneside is now shrouded in doubt after it emerged Chelsea could consider adding him to Enzo Maresca’s squad, with the Italian expressing concerns about the depth of his central defensive options.

That has prompted Howe’s employers to begin scouring the market for potential replacements, with experienced Serbian international centre-back Milenkovic among those being seriously considered.

Despite turning 28 in February, Milenkovic has progressively grown in stature since arriving at the City Ground in a £12m move from Fiorentina last year. 

Previous reports have even linked Botman with a move to European rivals Chelsea, raising the prospect that Milenković could ultimately be lined up as his successor should the Dutchman depart.

CHALLENGE

However, with Forest fighting against relegation towards the bottom of the Premier League table, the prospect of a switch to a team expected to challenge for honours could appeal if the Midlanders continue to struggle.

Although Forest have proven themselves to be tough negotiators in the transfer market, with owner Evangelos Marinakis previously seeing off bid from Tottenham Hotspur for Morgan Gibbs-White, it could suit them to wheel and deal in order to provide new manager Sean Dyche with funds in the transfer market. 

And with Milenkovic’s value only set to decrease, despite his commanding and consistent performances in England, that could provide Howe with further encouragement should he look to firm-up his interest.

Having started his career with Partizan Belgrade, Milenkovic earned his switch to Forest after impressing in Serie A; spending seven seasons in Tuscany.

Milenkovic has also been capped 69 times by Serbia, having also represented his country on nine occasions at under-21 level.