Milan Skriniar distances himself from £68.8m transfer after Tottenham and Chelsea links

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Milan Skriniar has told Sport Aktuality that he has no interest in considering a move away from Inter Milan this summer following interest from Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur.

The Slovakian enforcer is happy at the San Siro after helping the Nerazzurri to claim their first Serie A title in 11 years, and intends to ignore all speculation regarding his future.

Chelsea had been expected to explore a rival deal to deny Manchester United the chance to sign the 26-year-old centre-half, as Thomas Tuchel has long admired his talents and tried to land his services while in charge of Paris Saint-Germain (FcInterNews).

Tottenham also hold a long-standing interest in Skriniar having continued to scout the imposing brute since failing to seal a €35million (£30.1m) move last summer, as the club – along with former head coach Jose Mourinho – love his ability (Fabrizio Romano).

Inter rejected Spurs’ approach last year as they felt Skriniar was worth closer to €50m (43m) and have since increased their asking price (per Romano) to around €80m (£68.8m), having seen the 39-cap titan start 29 of his 30 Serie A appearances under Antonio Conte this term.

Yet the Nerazzurri’s lofty valuation is unlikely to be the final hurdle that Chelsea or Spurs will have to overcome, as Skriniar has stated his commitment to the San Siro natives as he sets his focus on this summer’s UEFA European Championship.

“There have been rumours, there are and there will be. However, I have never listened to or commented on them,” Skriniar said. “Of course, it will be no different after this season.

“I want to enjoy the masterful feeling now, then I want to finish the season and prepare for the Euros.”

TBR’s view:

Skriniar taking himself out of the centre-back market ahead of this summer’s transfer window will no doubt come as a blow to Chelsea more so than Tottenham right now, given Tuchel’s position on the defender and Spurs’ continued search for Mourinho’s successor.

Both sides could have acquired a truly imposing defender in Skriniar had the Slovakian been open to a move to the Premier League, as the 26-year-old has played a crucial role in Inter winning the Serie A title with the division’s best defensive record and losing just twice so far.

Tottenham have had difficulties in defence this season with players occasionally caught out of position while errors have gifted opponents goals. Dealing with crosses into the box has also proven problematic, with those called with protecting Hugo Lloris too slow to react.

Chelsea and Spurs will now have to seemingly look elsewhere to add depth to their respective backlines, while the north Londoners are left to rue their decision to walk away from negotiations last summer after refusing to increase their unsuccessful offer.