Milan Skriniar has already given transfer verdict as Chelsea links grow

Chelsea have reportedly turned their attention towards a deal for Inter Milan centre-back Milan Skriniar as they look to replace Antonio Rudiger.

Blues manager Thomas Tuchel was said to be keen on a move to take Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt to Stamford Bridge but a deal for the Netherlands international is proving difficult.

That has led to speculation the German will now look to Slovakian international Skriniar, who has been the subject of a number of unsuccessful bids from French giants Paris Saint Germain in recent weeks.

Reports in Italy have suggested negotiations between Chelsea and Inter started earlier this week as the two clubs look to strike a second deal following Romelu Lukaku’s loan return to the San Siro.

Inter are believed to be holding out for a fee of around £68million for one of their prized assets - although recent quotes from Skriniar suggest he may need some persuading to move to the Premier League.

Speaking to Pravda earlier this month, the powerful centre-back said: “I'd love to do something similar to what Marek Hamsik did at Napoli.

“My future is at Inter, I have a contract and nothing has changed. There are transfer rumours every six months, but there's nothing specific. I am very satisfied at Inter.

“We won two trophies, the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa Italiana. People talked about it as if this season was going to be a catastrophe because we lost two key players and the coach.

“Instead, Simone Inzaghi arrived, gave his identity to the squad and we proved that we are among the best in Italy and Europe.”

Skriniar is not the only defender to be linked with a move to Stamford Bridge in recent weeks.

Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, Sevilla star Jules Kounde and former Blue Nathan Ake have all been named as reported targets over the last month.