Liverpool have been linked with a move for Inter Milan centre-back Milan Skriniar before being almost immediately priced out of a potential transfer.
According to Italian outlet Calciomercato, the Reds are keen on Skriniar but the Serie A side have set their asking price at €60m (£54m), a fee which is described as ‘insurmountable’ for the Premier League champions.
The Slovakian has also been heavily linked with a move to Tottenham and could be subject to more interest as the January transfer window opens.
Already a 33-cap international, the 25-year-old would represent a ready-made first team player for Jurgen Klopp‘s side and has made 13 appearances in all competitions so far this season at the San Siro.
However, the Reds are bound to be put off by the lofty asking price, despite it being relatively decent value for money given the defender’s Transfermarkt value of £45m.
The report added that Liverpool have recently turned down the chance to sign Ezequiel Garay, who is currently a free agent, and are instead turning their attention to Ozan Kabak of Schalke and Perr Schuurs from Ajax.
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Should Liverpool delve into the market for a much-needed centre-back after Joel Matip’s latest injury, it is likely that any deal would fall into the £20m-£30m category.
Skriniar is a well-established centre-half for another elite European club and as such the demands would outweigh what the Reds are looking to do given the circumstances.
The Anfield hierarchy wouldn’t have expected to spend a fortune this mid-season but may have had their hand forced by an unprecedented injury crisis.
The aforementioned options of Kabak and Schuurs would represent far more affordable deals and are both five years younger than Skriniar. Lille’s Sven Botman is another name reportedly on the Anfield radar as the Dutch youngster impresses for the cash-strapped Ligue 1 club.
