Newcastle United have now joined the race ahead of the January transfer window to potentially sign Inter centre-back Milan Skriniar.
This has been suggested by transfer guru Graeme Bailey, who has been speaking on the latest episode of the Talking Transfers podcast.
It has been a turbulent number of months since the start of the summer window for Skriniar, with the Slovakian defender’s future put under question as strong links over a potential move to Paris Saint-Germain emerged.
However, despite remaining at the San Siro over the summer, it seems his future is still under question with his current deal set to expire at the end of the campaign.
Therefore, the 27-year-old would be able to sign a pre-contract agreement with a foreign club in January to secure a summer move – and it is believed the Magpies are expected to throw their hat in the ring.
Bailey said: “Inter are very worried, they really are. They did not see him leaving on a free transfer, but the money on offer, I understand, from the Premier League is probably double what he’s being offered at Inter.
“They’re not trying to do this on the cheap, but I think they’re going to have to push hard to keep him, I really do. This is one to keep an eye on, this could be remarkable.
“We do understand Newcastle have joined the hunt, here. All the top six/top eight Premier League clubs are in here, and Newcastle are in the mix as well, because hey, they’ll probably be able to offer as big a contract as anyone.”
TIF Thoughts on Bailey’s comments…
We really do think this would be an exceptional addition if Newcastle were able to acquire the Inter centre-back on a free amid the believed interest from the ‘big six’ clubs of the Premier League.
Could Newcastle attract Skriniar?
Yes
No
Skriniar has proven himself across the years to be one of the best centre-backs around having staked a regular claim in the Inter side.
In comparison to the Toon’s Fabian Schar, Skriniar averaged double the amount of tackles per 90 minutes as well as averaging almost double the number of passes per game (via FBref).
The 27-year-old has, however, played regularly in the Champions League at Inter, so signing an agreement with Newcastle would potentially be a risk for the Slovakian, with the Magpies not guaranteed a spot in the top four despite their promising start.