Wolves bid for Serbian skipper

Friday 29th May 2009, 11:30AM BST.

nenad-milijasWolves are pushing for their first summer signing after making an offer of around £2.6m for Red Star Belgrade captain Nenad Milijas.

The player’s agent, Zoran Stojadinovic, insists the bid is on the table.

The club want to agree a fee so they can seal terms and arrange a medical to see off widespread competition from all around Europe for the 26-year-old goalscoring midfielder, who is Red Star’s 22-goal top scorer this season.

Milijas’ agent Zoran Stojadinovic said: “We received a 3m Euros offer from Wolves. They are asking for Milijas to have medical checks as soon as possible.”

There are conflicting reports as to how long the player is under contract, with some suggesting he has just six months left on his deal while others claim he’s tied to Red Star to 2013.

But an early offer could be attractive to the Serbian club to help ward off financial problems.

Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey is distancing the club from continued speculation linking them with numerous players.

But the club are also aware of rival interest in this latest target to land the 6ft 2ins defensive left-footer, who can play anywhere in midfield.

Reports suggest Villa have also been checking him out.

The eight-cap Serbia international, who has scored 36 goals in 96 games for Red Star, has attracted interest from Borussia Monchengladbach, while reports in Serbia point to CSKA Moscow, Roma, Panathinaikos, Borussia Dortmund and AEK Athens as expressing “serious interest” in the player.

Milijas, who been at Red Star since January 2006, is a deadball specialist and penalty taker, with his exploits helping the club to third place in the Meridian Superleague this season, 19 points behind leaders Partizan Belgrade.

The 26-year-old joined Red Star from FK Zemus, where he played 130 games with 18 goals scored.

Moxey said: “We’re being linked with all sorts of players. As is normal, people make claims about what we are doing that are not necessarily true, unfortunately.

“Our policy is not to publicly deny or affirm speculation.”


  1. 1
    Chief WigWamWolfMan

    To fend off such competition for his signature would show great intent.. I have seen little of this guy, but what I have seen suggests he would be an asset to any club.. especially ours! An amazing left foot..
    Go get him guys!

    Report abuse

  2. 2
    pughy36

    Looking good, just hope we can win the race or his signature.

    COME ON YOU WOLVES!!!

    Report abuse

  3. 3
    pughy36

    looking good, just hope we can win the race for his signature.

    COME ON YOU WOLVES!!!

    Report abuse

  4. 4
    marktipton

    Looks fantastic value for a player of such experience

    Report abuse

  5. 5
    SUPERSTARDJWOLVES

    “Our policy is not to publicly deny or affirm speculation.”

    Sounds like Moxey is playing hard ball. If there is major interest from other clubs, he must be half decent. But knowing Harry Redknapp he will nab him off us lol.

    Report abuse

  6. 6
    Nedball

    ‘The eight-cap Serbia international, who has scored 36 goals in 96 games for Red Star, has attracted interest from Borussia Monchengladbach, while reports in Serbia point to CSKA Moscow, Roma, Panathinaikos, Borussia Dortmund and AEK Athens as expressing “serious interest” in the player.’

    Best of luck with this one Dinglets.

    Report abuse

  7. 7
    Armitage Cow

    Sounds good, don’t know anything about him though! Wonder if he’s any good on Footy Man? If Roma are interested he must be pretty handy not too expensive either.

    Report abuse

  8. 8
    Cornish Wolf

    Now we are cooking with gas. If this turns out to be true what a great signing.
    Up The Wolves

    Report abuse

  9. 9
    SEB's older brother

    I dont know much about him but he sounds half decent and if we sign ahead of some of clubs mentioned then we may get a decent player. Serbian players are usually skilful and are good technically.

    On the downside I keep seeing his agents name mentioned which suggests this could turn into an auction

    Report abuse

  10. 10
    helo wlves

    certainly worth a go
    scores goals left footed and roma are interested so he must be quite good

    Report abuse

  11. 11
    SEB's older brother

    He sounds a decent player although I dont know much about him and the club has sent its scouting network far and wide which I think is good.

    There are a lot of decent clubs after him such as Roma and CSKA Moscow so if we get him it might be considered a bit od a coup

    Serbian players are usually technically good and skillful if a little light weight.

    My main concern is his agent looks like he trying to start an auction

    Report abuse

  12. 12
    Secret Wolf

    Another foreign mercenary only interested in te money. How about some real players Muppet Mick?

    Report abuse

  13. 13
    maltawolf

    Looks like an ideal signing,strike while the irons hot Jez,

    Report abuse

  14. 14
    Ynotwolf

    And finaly it has been reported that winnalot are no longer interested in sponsoring the albion because they dont want to break the trades descripton act.

    Report abuse

  15. 15
    rich5wolves

    If Wolves want this player we have to tie it up fast as the other clubs linked will have a lot of sway if they put in official bids. Villa would be far more attractive to him.

    Report abuse

  16. 16
    Ad Mant

    Eastern European skepticism aside, seems like the kind of player we need.

    Report abuse

  17. 17
    WolvoWolf

    Sorry Jez, you can deny anything you want but as the saying goes, there’s no smoke without fire and that smoke has to turn to fire somewhere!
    it is well known that Wolves are searching high and low for players and it is commendable that Wolves keep their dealings under wraps until a player has signed on the dotted line but there are ‘snouts’ everywhere and when a football club makes an enquiry, you can bet someone will let the cat out of the bag – It happens at Molineux, doesn’t it? Never mind Jez, we will wait until you confirm a player or players have signed just as long as it is not after the new season has started!

    Report abuse

  18. 18
    chazadawolf

    This player has only been linked with these clubs. Just as wolves have been linked with about 100 players and will probably but in an offer for about 15 of those players Max! I can’t see the likes of Villa looking to replace Barry with a £2.6mil player from red star. Borrussia is likely to be the only other team to come in for this player I think.
    I happen to know through sources that Jez was furious yesterday when he found out this players agent and released this story to the media!

    Report abuse

  19. 19
    Imscoutingcom

    Decent player by the sounds of it although he is reported as being ‘slow’!
    There is a short video available on the internet showing a few of his goals as my name suggests.

    Report abuse

  20. 20
    SELondonKev

    I hear the only other team genuinely interested are Borusia munchengladbach (think I spelt it correctly?) as the agent says they aree waiting to see what comes from them, so it would appear that is his preferred destination and we are 2nd choice..

    We are asking to get a medical etc.. done quickly to ward of interest.. I think it’ll come down to what Munchen offer – surprising really condiering that have struggle for the last few seasons and barely escaped relegation this year..
    We shall see???

    Report abuse

  21. 21
    daz

    please can we just sign some players now, all this “we might” talk is getting a little dull

    Report abuse

  22. 22
    Wolfinblack

    Sounds good!
    Just what we need a positive ball playing midfielder with an eye for goal from a dead ball.
    Chances will be few and far between next season so a free kick specialist is just what we need.

    Report abuse

  23. 23
    wolvesmod

    None of you have seen him play so why are you saying that he will be a great signing? Remember Frankowski anyone?

    Report abuse

  24. 24
    TelfordWolves

    goalscoring midfielder!! take note Henry!!

    Report abuse

  25. 25
    eastpark wolf

    On red stars website he’s scored 22 goals (6 pens)this season, no bookings either, and can score from free kicks, so is worth a punt, and the winter cold wouldn’t affect him like most of the ponses wearing 10 pairs of gloves

    Report abuse

  26. 26
    KaiserWolf

    I can’t believe some people are still calling Mick a muppet!!! We’ve just won the ccc for Christs sake!! We’re in the best position since we won the league cup, we have the core of a great young squad, and when we were on form we annihilated everyone in our path. We are not the team of the ’50s anymore, get over it. Get behind him or sod off and support someone else gloryhunters.

    As for signings, i’ll believe them when they’re on their photocalls. We must beware of these shady agents, we’ve been tripped up by them before.

    Report abuse

  27. 27
    KaiserWolves

    I can’t believe some people are still calling Mick a muppet!!! We’ve just won the ccc for Christs sake!! We’re in the best position since we won the league cup, we have the core of a great young squad, and when we were on form we annihilated everyone in our path. We are not the team of the ’50s anymore, get over it. Get behind him or sod off and support someone else gloryhunters.

    As for signings, i’ll believe them when they’re on their photocalls. We must beware of these shady agents, we’ve been tripped up by them before.

    Report abuse

  28. 28
    wolveswolveswolves

    thats more like it!!!! 22goals!! for a mid is great could be our own stevie g

    Report abuse

  29. 29
    Andy

    quotes from the article:

    “the 6 ft 2 ins DEFENSIVE left-footer”, “22-goal top scorer” and “penalty-taker”

    Conclusion: there must be a hell of a lot of penalties in the Serbian league!

    Report abuse

  30. 30
    PenkridgeWolf

    Borussia have just lost their manager, he has resigned!
    Now whether that means we are in pole position, only time will tell.
    Interesting video that no.19 memntions, take a look at the .com site in his name.

    Report abuse

  31. 31
    Stoke on Trent Wolf

    Get him in quick before the endless competition starts. For every player we try to sign this summer there will be another half dozen or so clubs also in the frame.

    23) I remember Frankowski, unfortunately, but I am amused why you think of him when the subject under discussion is a GOALSCORING midfielder.

    Report abuse

  32. 32
    Chief WigWamWolfMan

    I actually know someone who plays for Monchengladbach, they were promoted last season, and only just stayed up this season.. they have the foundations of a massive club, but the person I know has said, if any premeiership club came in for him, he would leave in a heartbeat.. so I am not sure how good things are at Monchengladbacj at the moment.. they also just lost their coach!
    So I guess we could be waiting a while for them to make a move..

    Report abuse

  33. 33
    dave 28

    The way everyones talking we shouldnt buy foreign players so go on barcelona buy british see if you lift the cup ever again

    Report abuse

  34. 34
    Coseley Dave

    it seems the way everyone is talking we shouldnt buy foriegn players so go on Barcelona buy british see if you will win in europe again

    Report abuse

  35. 35
    The Usual Suspects

    The player’s agent, Zoran Stojadinovic, insists the bid is on the table.

    Does that mean “We start the bidding at £x – Any other offers out there?”

    And the article goes on:

    But an early offer could be attractive to the Serbian club to help ward off financial problems.

    If true – Could be another opportunity to snap him up at a good price ala Sam Vokes from Bournemouth – we got Vokes for £500k because Bournemouth was in administration – quite a few Bournemouth fans still not happy about that!

    Fingers crossed!

    Report abuse

  36. 36
    joey

    Borusia munchengladbach sacked their manager yesterday, and they seem to be the only other party really interested in this player, so this could give us enough time to steal him away.

    Report abuse

  37. 37
    kiwiwolf

    12..is a happy clapper fan…
    go back to your loser page halfwit

    Report abuse

  38. 38
    Grumpy Ole Man

    Don’t know anything about him so will confine my comment some interesting points raised by the article itself.
    We certainly need a dead-ball specialist because so many goals are scored in that way in the prem.
    He is described as a defensive mid. That being the case, why have we given a new contract to Karl Henry since this guy would clearly be ahead of KH?
    On the subject of us giving new contracts to every Tom, Dick or Henry.
    My memory is not as good as it was (and I am sure someone will tell me if I am wrong), but I do not recall Foley being given a new contract. Rumours persist that Blackburn, amongst others want him.
    Could it be that he will be leaving in the summer.

    Going back to the subject of the article. I detect some antagonism from some posters.
    Would that be because you can’t pronounce his name, let alone invent some silly little ditty for him?

    Report abuse

  39. 39
    Nedball

    32 – This bloke plays for Red Star Belgrade according to the article, so what does it matter if you know someone who plays for Borussia Monchengladbach?

    Report abuse

  40. 40
    laughingwolf

    Mick has realised that we lack real physical presence. This guy and polish guy nicknames ‘the brute’ are both established internationals and should be good additions. Lets not do what albion done and not get any premier league players though. I am glad however that he is addressing the physical element factor. I also have it on good authority that Mick and scouts will be at the under-21 tournament this summer. We need 5 young english premier league players:

    Steven Taylor (newcastle)
    Adam Johnson (borough)
    Matt Derbyshire (blackburn)
    Lee Cattermole (wigan)
    Tom Huddlestone (spurs)

    Report abuse

  41. 41
    Andy

    Dave 28 – wouldn’t that equate to Barcelona buying foreign players?!?!

    Report abuse

  42. 42
    Roz Wolves

    The Serbian versin of Paul Cook only better………….soz Paul but if this guy has half the left foot you had we are onto a winner.

    Report abuse

  43. 43
    Chief WigWamWolfMan

    37. Keep up old Neddy boy.. they are waiting to hear if Monchengladbach are stil pursuing Milijas, as they (Monchengladbach) have been attempting to sign him for 6 months.. we are trying to crash the deal!

    Report abuse

  44. 44
    nickthegreek

    Borussia Monchengladbach have only stayed up by one point this season so no better than going to Hull.So i think we could be in with a chance with this one if its true.

    Report abuse

  45. 45
    Wulf

    26 & 27, you can say that again!

    I’m not sure about this one tbh. I would like to see some of the best championship players acquired while taking some of the fringe premiership players. I wouldn’t want too many foreigners who need more time to gel and adjust. I don’t think Mick can get the best out of overseas players as he can with UK based players.
    We’ll see though, I hope I’m proved wrong and we find some foreign gems!

    Report abuse

  46. 46
    den dennis

    he sounds the ticket lets wait and see and dont trust nick names! i remember when we got carried away with luzhny’s nick name roughly translating as horse. turn out it actually ment donkey.

    Report abuse

  47. 47
    Copenhagen Wolf

    While its always a gamble to bring in foreign players, it can certainly also be worth trying, especially at a low price such as 2,6 mio.

    Regarding Frankowski. The guy had been scoring lots of goals before joining us and was Polands leading scorer in there qualifying campaign. But suffered for two reasons:

    1. Lack of support in Twoddles dull tactics
    2. He was over-the-hill at 31 when joining us

    Report abuse

  48. 48
    astraltrader

    Milijas is just the right sort of player for us to sign. An excellent free scoring midfielder who is a dead-ball specialist.

    Yes please!

    Report abuse

  49. 49
    Shaun Smith

    The club are moving in the right direction but as all to often Wolves are linked with every man and his dog. Wolves need to get focused on what they need to do and that is stop in PL and if that means buying players from where ever I sure MM /JM will use common sense and buy wisely.

    Tamworth Wolves

    Report abuse

  50. 50
    Colin Peppiatt

    Not sure about this one. He’s described as both a “goalscoring midfielder” and a “defensive midfielder”. And why has heonly got eight caps for Serbia if he’s 26? By my reckoning they haven’t got that great a pool of players.

    Report abuse

  51. 51
    The Real Bully Hoo.

    I think you’ll be in for a frustrating summer. We had it last year, agents use clubs like ours and Hull to drum up interest and to spur the Fulhams and Tottenhams into action. All the fans moaning at McCarthy and Moxey to pull their fingers out with signings, it’s not their fault. Again we had it last year with our fans having a go at Jeremy Peace. All the power is with the players and agents. This bloke looks like he’d be a great signing but your wage policy may prevent it happening, the low transfer fee means that his wages will be astronomical. Good luck with it.
    PS Ynot.
    Have you heard, Shergar’s been kidnapped.

    Report abuse

  52. 52
    dusan

    Basically the reason he is so cheap is, that everyone knows red star are in the biggest financial mess in thier history, If the club dont cough up 15 mil euros in the next few months the club will not exist anymore. As a red star fan this saddens me cos i think nenad is worth a bit more.If anything wolves will be getting a fantastic player in terms of both skill and mentality. Hes 26 now , and to be honest I thought he would have left serbia sooner, so If he is ever going to make it in the big leagues now is his chance.

    Report abuse

  53. 53
    willenhallwolf

    No 40 Laughing wolf…….

    Steven Taylor (newcastle)not good enough
    Adam Johnson (borough)unsure
    Matt Derbyshire (blackburn)not prolific enough
    Lee Cattermole (wigan)wont leave WIgan
    Tom Huddlestone (spurs) Too expensive

    does that answer what you wrote..

    Report abuse

  54. 54
    JDWolfLover

    We need bright young British talent who will stay if we go down – not an over paid Serbian who won’t!
    I’d be looking at:
    DL – Mattock (Leic) or Taylor (Boro)
    DC – Taylor (Newc) Wheater (Boro)
    MC – Gardner (Villa) Garvan (Ipsw) or Elliott (Bris)
    ML – Johnson (Boro) Driver (Hearts) Brunt (WBA)
    FC – Derbyshire (Blac)

    Report abuse



Free e-Supplements

Business Awards

Book a Business Awards table Book a Business Awards table

Join our celebrations of the region's best in business on Thursday March 22 - book your table now

Lifestyle

Interactive Dining Out map Interactive Dining Out map

Hundreds of reviews by the Express & Star and Shropshire Star's teams to help you decide where to eat.

entertainment

All the film reviews All the film reviews

Before you plan a trip to the pictures, get our critics' verdicts on all the latest movie releases

OUR NEW APP

Get the new E&S app Get the new E&S app

Download the Express & Star’s new app to your iPad or iPhone to get one week of access to our digital newspapers absolutely FREE.