Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Milan Skriniar from Inter Milan in the January transfer window as a cover for Virgil van Dijk.
According to a report by ESPN, Liverpool have identified yet another possible target to cover for the absence of Virgil van Dijk. Milan Skriniar is the latest centre-back to have emerged on the radar of the Premier League champions, who are in desperate need to bolster the heart of their defence.
Milan Skriniar joined Inter Milan from Sampdoria in the summer of 2017 and quickly fit into the first-team setup at San Siro. However, the arrival of Antonio Conte at the Serie A club has proven to be detrimental to the fortunes of the Slovakian international, who was initially a first-choice centre-back before falling down the pecking order.
Skriniar now finds young Alessandro Bastoni ahead of him, competing with Danilo D’Ambrosio and Aleksandar Kolarov for practically one spot in the back-three. His situation has piqued the interest of a number of clubs, who continue to value his defensive abilities. Tottenham were keen on signing him this past summer, with Manchester United and Liverpool also linked with him.
As the summer transfer window slammed shut, though, Tottenham failed to secure the services, as Inter Milan failed to budge from their €60 million valuation of the 25-year-old. The player has now emerged on the radar of Liverpool once again, with the Reds desperately in search of a centre-back.
Liverpool have been forced into the transfer market following the long-term knee injury sustained by Virgil van Dijk. With the Dutchman unavailable for the remainder of the season at the very least, Jurgen Klopp has Joe Gomez, Joel Matip and Nat Phillips as the only recognised centre-backs at his disposal.
Matip has himself struggled with fitness issues lately, which is why Liverpool have been trying to identify a viable target to chase in the January transfer window. Diego Carlos, who was a summer target for the Reds, is one of the names that have reportedly been discussed.
Recent reports suggest that Liverpool have also been keeping tabs on teenage prodigy Malick Thiaw and now, Skriniar is the latest centre-back on their agenda. The report mentions that Tottenham continue to hold an interest in the Slovakian international, but could be helpless if Liverpool choose to launch the offensive for him this winter.
What now remains to be seen is if Liverpool do indeed make a move for Skriniar, whose valuation will be interesting to see. It will also be interesting to see if Inter Milan allow the player to leave midway through the season, even if he is not a regular.
