Newcastle United would "love" to sign Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar, believes journalist Pete O'Rourke.
The 27-year-old has been linked with a move to St James' Park, and O'Rourke thinks the Magpies will give their chances of landing him a massive boost if they qualify for next season's Champions League.
GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict
Newcastle transfer news - Milan Skriniar
According to Calciomercatoweb, Skriniar is the man Newcastle want to improve their central defence.
The same outlet claims, however, that the Tyneside club finishing in the top four this term is essential if they are to sign the Slovakian.
90min reported in the summer that Inter wanted €80m (around £68m) for Skriniar amid interest from Paris Saint-Germain.
However, with the centre-back's contract up at the end of the season, Newcastle could have the opportunity to land him for free.
What has Pete O'Rourke said about Milan Skriniar and Newcastle?
O'Rourke reckons Skriniar is the kind of player Newcastle and Eddie Howe would love to bring to St James' Park.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: "If they were to go on and clinch a place in next season's Champions League, it will only boost their chances of signing players such as Skriniar.
"He's out of contract in the summer, so if he doesn't agree a new deal at Inter Milan, I'm sure Newcastle would love the opportunity to try and bring him to St James' Park."
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
How much did Milan Skriniar cost Inter Milan?
As reported by ESPN, Inter paid a total of €30m, which is about £25m, for the former Sampdoria man. That now looks like an absolute snip.
Skriniar has been one of the best defenders in Serie A for a while now, with football writer David Amoyal describing him as "unbelievable".
Back in the 2020/21 season, where Inter won the Scudetto under Antonio Conte, Skriniar made 2.6 clearances per game. According to WhoScored, only Stefan de Vrij (2.9) averaged more.
His average of 1.5 tackles also put him in the top five Inter players for that category, so it is easy to see that the Slovakia international is quite a solid defender.
It means Newcastle are almost certain to face fierce competition for his signature, especially if he does become a free agent. However, with the upward trajectory that they are on, you probably cannot rule this one out.
Whatever the case, targeting a player of Skriniar's profile and ability just shows how serious the Magpies have become.
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