Real Madrid Transfer Rumour: Barcelona set to fight Real for highly rated Serie A defender

Barcelona and Real Madrid are reportedly set to go against each other – this time off the field to secure the services of Inter Milan’s highly rated centre-back Milan Skriniar. According to reports from Italian publication Calciomercato, the two giants of Spanish football are set to go loggerheads to secure the signature of the defender with Manchester City also looking interested.

The Slovakian’s signing from Sampdoria earlier in the summer was met with much criticism at the San Siro. However, after 22 appearances and three goals for the Nerazzurri in half a season, he has become one of the firm fan favourites and first names on the tea, sheet.

Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City have recently 'opened a direct channel' with Inter about defender Milan Skriniar (22). Inter consider a sale impossible right now, but feel there could be an auction for the player soon. [Gazzetta dello Sport] pic.twitter.com/CRIDsHpPMX

— City Watch (@City_Watch) January 28, 2018

The 22-year-old’s performance has been key to Inter being placed in the Serie A table at the moment – conceding only 17 goals in their 22 games in the league so far.

Barcelona have already signed Yerry Mina earlier this transfer window to negate the departure of Javier Mascherano. Ernesto Valverde will, however, look to have further assurances at the back with Samuel Umitit, Mina and Gerard Pique remain the only viable options for Barcelona at the heart of their defence.

With Thomas Vermaelen (currently out with a hamstring injury) and Pique moving towards the wrong side of 30, the Catalans will also look to provide fresh blood at the back.

Real, meanwhile, are struggling to keep in touch with Barcelona at the top of La Liga. The Blancos are currently 19 points behind their Catalan rivals and already knocked out of the Copa del Rey.

Zinedine Zidane has Nacho, Sergio Ramos, Raphael Varane and Jesus Vallejo at his disposal for playing as the centre-back. However, none have been able to become a reliable partner alongside Sergio Ramos at the back.

Skriniar’s impressive play and maturity at such a young age has made Inter look at these advance unfavourably. However, the Italians might be forced to the table if any of Barcelona, Real Madrid or Manchester City offer up absurd money –like they have done in the past.