Inter Milan are now eying a transfer for Chris Smalling with the Roma ace out of contract in June. The Englishman may replace Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur target Milan Skriniar.
That is according to Calciomercato, which reports Inter Milan are starting to target centre-backs with Skriniar also out of contract this year. Both Serie A sides have offered their star defenders new terms. But neither Skriniar or Smalling has yet responded to the proposals.
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So, Inter Milan sense a chance to sign Smalling on the cheap and lock down a replacement for Skriniar. The Nerazzurri could also move for the former Manchester United star even if Skriniar pens new terms. But he is particularly sought after for in case the Slovakian leaves.
Smalling quit Old Trafford for Roma in October 2020 for £13.5m, rising up to £18m, after a year on loan. He is now a fundamental part of Jose Mourinho’s side at the Stadio Olimpico. The 33-year-old has played all 15 Serie A and all six of their Europa League ties this season.
Likewise, Skriniar is vital for Inter Milan and has played all 15 of their Serie A fixtures so far this term. He also featured in all six of their Champions League group stage games and also captained their team three times. The 27-year-old is also the captain of the Slovakia squad.
Tottenham are ready to secure a transfer with Inter Milan for Skriniar in January
But Skriniar’s future at Inter Milan is in doubt given his contract and interest from teams in England, like Liverpool and Tottenham, in his transfer. So, San Siro chiefs are loath to leave themselves short at the back and see Smalling as a suitable successor for their 54-cap star.
Inter Milan targeting Smalling’s transfer from Roma will be sure to delight those exploring Skriniar’s services, as well. 90min has claimed that Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Manchester United and Manchester City have all expressed an interest in signing the 6 ft 2 star in 2023.
But they prefer to sign Skriniar as a free agent, whereas Tottenham would pay Inter Milan for a January transfer. CalcioMercatoWeb notes Spurs are prepared to spend €30m (£26m) this month for the centre-half. He is also a firm target for his former head coach, Antonio Conte.
Inter Milan lifted the Serie A title during 2020/21 with Skriniar in defence and Conte at the helm. The centre-half further made 81 of his 236 appearances for the Nerazzurri across all competitions with the Spurs boss. Skriniar joined Inter Milan from Sampdoria in July 2017.
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