Breaking – Nottingham Forest confirm fifth summer signing as £12m transfer completed

Latest Nottingham Forest transfer news as Reds strengthen Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad with another summer signing

Nottingham Forest have made defender Nikola Milenkovic their fifth signing of the summer transfer window.

The 26-year-old Serbia international has made the move to the City Ground from Fiorentina and has penned a five-year deal. The Reds are said to have paid an initial £12 million to secure his services.

Milenkovic’s arrival adds to some positive early business overseen by the club. He follows goalkeeper Carlos Miguel, midfielder Elliot Anderson and right-back Eric da Silva Moreira in linking up with Nuno Espirito Santo’s squad, with midfielder Marko Stamenic having gone on loan to Olympiacos after putting pen to paper.

The Reds have been in need of bolstering their central defensive options. Felipe, Scott McKenna and Loic Mbe Soh were released at the end of their contracts, while Moussa Niakhate and Jonathan Panzo have since left. Joe Worrall is also expected to move on before the window closes on August 30.

Milenkovic joins Murillo, Willy Boly and Andrew Omobamidele as Nuno’s centre-back options for the upcoming season, as things stand. With his aerial ability, Forest will hope the newcomer can help address their set-piece problems.

Chief football officer Ross Wilson said: “We are excited to welcome Nikola to Nottingham Forest today. He is a key part of our squad planning this summer and I know how enthusiastic he has been to join the club.

“We have long admired his performances with the Serbian national team, and in Serie A and European competitions for Fiorentina. We are delighted that he will bring his experience and qualities to Nottingham Forest.”

Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham and Aston Villa were also credited with an interest in Milenkovic this summer. He was also previously on the radar of Manchester United, while West Ham United were linked 12 months ago.

The 26-year-old came up through the ranks at Partizan Belgrade. He then switched to Fiorentina in 2017 and went on to make more than 200 league appearances for the Italian outfit.

The centre-back also has more than 50 caps for his country. He played for Serbia in every group stage match at this summer’s Euros – including against England in Germany last month – and was also part of the squad at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups