Inter Milan will open talks with Milan Skriniar over a potential new contract in April to ward off reported interest from Liverpool in a summer transfer, according to Calciomercato.
The Serie A side are keen to secure the futures of their key players, with discussions already underway with Samir Handanovic and Ivan Perisic. The Nerazzurri have marked the pair as priorities for new deals with their existing terms set to expire at the end of the campaign.
Skriniar’s situation is less time-sensitive as his contract runs until the summer of 2023. But Inter are loath to let the centre-back leave and have held informal talks over an extension. They will now ramp up negotiations next month, once Handanovic and Perisic have signed.
Skriniar wants to secure his future at the San Siro, as well, and has no interest in leaving the club. His will is ironclad and only sees a future in blue-and-black, which strengthens Inter’s wish to agree new terms. It is also why he never considered leaving amid offers in the past.
The 27-year-old also vocalised his desire for a future with Inter after his 200th game for the club on Tuesday. He said after a 0-0 Coppa Italia draw with AC Milan: “I’m happy to have already made 200 appearances for Inter. I hope to play many more games with this shirt.”
Inter Milan to deal Liverpool blow with Skriniar contract talks
Inter Milan holding talks with Skriniar and the defender’s wish to extend his contract will be a blow for Liverpool’s summer transfer plans. TuttoMercatoWEB had cited the Slovakian as a target for Jurgen Klopp’s Anfield natives ahead of the next transfer window recently.
TMW also claimed the Reds sent representatives to Italy in February to begin talks with the 48-cap international’s agent. But it is unlikely they led anywhere, given Skriniar’s clear wish to remain at the San Siro long-term. Plus, Inter Milan’s plan for talks to ramp up come April.
So, Klopp will likely have to look elsewhere in the market should he want central defensive signings. With Skriniar – who Calciomercato describe as ‘irreplaceable’ and ‘flawless’ – an unlikely addition, five-years after joining the Nerazzurri from Sampdoria for €18m (£15m).
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