Skriniar's agent claims Real Madrid are 'close to reaching an agreement' to sign Inter talisman

Real Madrid are close to agreeing a deal to sign Inter centre-back Milan Skriniar, according to his agent Mithat Halis.

Skriniar has emerged as one of the finest young defenders in European football over the last couple of years, helping Inter re-establish themselves as a force in Serie A and the Champions League.

The 24-year-old was heavily linked with a move away from San Siro towards the end of last season, but ended up signing a new contract in May which is set to run through to 2023.

The Slovakia international has impressed for Inter once again at the start of the 2019-20 campaign, taking in 16 appearances across all competitions.

Skriniar has played a key role in Inter's rise to second in the Serie A standings, attracting attention from the likes of Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United and Manchester City in the process.

According to the Nerazzurri star's agent Halis, Madrid are in pole position to complete a major signing when the transfer market reopens in 2020.

"Skriniar is worth €100 million," he told AS. "Real Madrid and Barcelona have been competing for his signature for the last two years. 

"Now Real Madrid are closer to reaching an agreement with Inter because they want - and need - him much more than Barcelona."

Alex Burstow

Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos remain Zinedine Zidane's first-choice centre-back pairing at Madrid, but the latter's future has been the subject of much speculation in recent months.

The Spain international is approaching the twilight years of his career at 33 years old, with the Blancos now thought to be on the lookout for his long-term successor.

Skriniar appears to be top of Madrid's list of targets, but the Slovakian will need to remain focused on his duties at San Siro between now and January.

Inter are due to host Torino in their first Serie A outing after the international break on Saturday afternoon, before turning their attention to a crucial Champions League clash four days later.

Antonio Conte's side must beat Slavia Prague in the Czech Republic to have any hope of qualifying for the last 16, with Barcelona playing host to Borussia Dortmund on the same night.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, are set to welcome Real Sociedad to Santiago Bernabeu in La Liga this weekend, before another home fixture against Paris Saint-Germain in Europe on November 26.