Tottenham closest but Liverpool retain interest in Inter Milan defender
Tottenham have come closer than any club to signing Milan Skriniar, but he remains a target for Liverpool, a report in Italy claims.
Skriniar has established himself as a cornerstone of Inter’s three-man defence under Antonio Conte. The Slovakian has been linked with a move to the Premier League thanks to his performances.
For example, Tottenham were a strong contender to sign him last summer. There were rumours of a swap deal with Tanguy Ndombele that never materialised.
In some regards, Spurs fans will be glad that it did not, given how the midfielder has improved this season. However, Skriniar will remain on the club’s mind as they look to strengthen in defence.
According to Tuttomercatoweb, Tottenham have been closer to Skriniar than anyone else for months.
Despite this, they have been unable to lure him away from Inter. The player himself has even played down talk of a move away from the Italian giants.
“I always wanted to stay here. I’m happy to be performing more consistently,” he told the official Inter website in January.
Tottenham v West Brom Match Preview, February 07, 2021
A look ahead to the Premier League game between Tottenham and West Brom, including stats on form, possession, shots, cards, corners, top scorers and previous meetings.
However, with Inter in financial difficulties, some of their key players may have to be sold in the future.
Whether Skriniar will be affected or not is as yet unclear. But there will be no shortage of interest in him regardless.
Liverpool still considering Skriniar
What’s more, Tottenham are not the only contender for his signature. The report from Tuttomercatoweb also refers to Liverpool’s interest.
Skriniar was one of the many names linked with the champions in the wake of the injuries to Virgil van Dijk, Joe Gomez and Joel Matip. Eventually, they signed Ben Davies from Preston and brought Ozan Kabak in on loan from Schalke.
Those options will cover them until the summer, at which point they may re-consider their long-term options.
It may well be that Davies and Kabak impress enough to establish themselves at Anfield. But if not, Skriniar could remain on their radar.
Subscribe for free to TEAMtalk’s daily newsletter…
A bid would require careful thinking from Liverpool when they have Van Dijk, Gomez and Matip available again. However, should they choose to pursue Skriniar, they will become embroiled in a transfer battle with Spurs.
The 25-year-old Slovakian remains under contract with Inter until 2023.
READ MORE: Price tag emerges as Tottenham are linked with former Arsenal star