Man Utd make contact for Liverpool target in prime of his career, with conclusion predicted within nine days
Manchester United and Liverpool are among the clubs to have lodged their interest in Inter centre-back Milan Skriniar, according to a report.
Skriniar is in the final year of his contract with Inter, which has put a number of suitors on alert. At the age of 27 and with one Serie A medal in his collection, he would be an appealing signing on a free transfer.
Clubs were already trying to take advantage of his situation in the summer. Paris Saint-Germain were his main admirers then, but were unable to lure him away from San Siro.
As the New Year approaches, when Skriniar could sign a pre-contract agreement with a club outside Italy, the defender’s list of admirers has been growing again.
According to 90min, Paris Saint-Germain have not lost sight of Skriniar. However, each member of the so-called big six in the Premier League has also reached out.
Manchester United and Liverpool are among those to reportedly have made contact with Skriniar’s representatives. The same goes for Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Chelsea.
Of course, if Skriniar was to join Tottenham, he would be reuniting with his former Inter head coach, Antonio Conte.
But he will no doubt be assessing all his options, given that this could be one of the most important contracts he signs in his career. Now accustomed to playing in the Champions League, he will want to ensure he continues at the top level.
Either Paris Saint-Germain or his six Premier League suitors may be able to offer him a better salary than what he currently earns with Inter.
Skriniar hopes seem to be fading for Premier League suitors
That said, the Serie A side have not given up hope of keeping him. In fact, they believe they might even be able to get him to extend his deal before the World Cup break begins on November 13.
Hence, it could be a race against time for other clubs to try and convince him otherwise.
Skriniar has played for Inter since 2017, when they signed him from fellow Italian side Sampdoria.
He has amassed 233 appearances for the Nerazzurri since then, becoming a key component of a side that has restored their former status as one of Serie A’s strongest clubs.
Is it still worth him considering a different challenge, though? The opportunity to move to the Premier League might not come around as easily again in his career.
He would have to fight for his place at any potential destination. Manchester United signed Lisandro Martinez in the summer, Manchester City brought in Manuel Akanji, Tottenham loaned Clement Lenglet and Chelsea added Kalidou Koulibaly and Wesley Fofana.
Meanwhile, Arsenal finally integrated William Saliba into their first-team squad. Liverpool, for their part, still have four senior centre-backs, any of whom might stand a chance of starting.
Therefore, perhaps the best solution for Skriniar will be to remain with Inter. His status there as a regular starter is already secure.
It should soon become clear whether their plans have been successful or not.
