Mialn Skriniar has been linked with a move to Manchester United (Getty Images)
According to claims from Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb (h/t Daily Express), Inter Milan have rejected Tottenham’s offer of a swap deal involving Milan Skriniar and Tanguy Ndombele, with the Italian giants making it clear that they will only consider a cash deal for the centre-back.
Skriniar has long been on Tottenham’s radar and talks between the North London club and Antonio Conte’s side have intensified in recent weeks. However, with the Nerazzurri seemingly not interested in a swap deal, Jose Mourinho’s brigade is expected to return with an improved cash offer for the in-demand defender. (TMW h/t Express)
Born in Slovakia, Milan Skriniar rose through the youth ranks of MSK Zilina and made his professional debut in his homeland before earning a move to Italy with Sampdoria back in 2016.
A successful 2016-17 campaign in the Serie A paved the way for a move to heavyweights Inter Milan in the summer of 2017 and the 25-year-old has since established himself as one of the elite central defenders in European football.
Skriniar has racked up 127 appearances across all competitions for the Nerazzurri while also accumulating 31 senior international caps for Slovakia.
Tottenham shipped 47 goals in the Premier League this season, a defensive record that was comfortably bettered by the likes of Liverpool, Man City, Man United, Leicester City, Wolves, and Sheffield United.
Hence, it doesn’t require a rocket scientist to figure out that the Lilywhites need to improve their backline if they are to challenge for a top-four finish under Jose Mourinho next term.
Toby Alderweireld’s new deal remains a massive boost to the club but the manager will surely need to beef up his defensive unit this summer following the departure of veteran Jan Vertonghen.
Davinson Sanchez remains a quality young centre-back at 24 but considering that Tottenham have often been made to pay for the Colombian’s lack of consistency over the past couple of seasons, bringing in a replacement for Vertonghen should be a top priority.
Furthermore, Juan Foyth, who is capable of playing as a centre-back and also as a right-back, has been linked with a move away from North London this summer. Youngster Japhet Tanganga showed glimpses of his potential last season but he still remains relatively unproven at the highest level.
Suffice to say, Tottenham need a top-quality centre-back to partner Toby Alderweireld and Milan Skriniar could be the one to sort out the club’s defensive issues for the foreseeable future.
The Slovakian international has proven his mettle in the Serie A and in the Champions League while he also seems to have the body to cope with the gruelling nature of the Premier League, given his 6ft 2in frame.
The 25-year-old could only get better with time and Tottenham completing a big-money move for the Serie A star could well lay down the foundation for a solid defence under Mourinho, given Skriniar has proven himself as a top defender over the years.