Manchester United's summer of discontent in the transfer market was well documented and they could be set to miss out on another rumoured target in January.
Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho was left frustrated by the club's failure to sign a central defender during the summer, with apparent moves for Harry Maguire, Toby Alderweireld and Jerome Boateng all falling short.
Ironically, United's start to the season has been plagued by defensive issues as they have struggled to keep clean sheets and Mourinho, despite the doubts surrounding his future, had identified an Inter Milan defender as his top transfer target for January.
According to Calciomercato, Inter were worried that United could make a move for Milan Skriniar in January but the doubts over Mourinho's future at Old Trafford have clouded the issue, with Inter set to offer the Slovakian defender a new contract.
Inter may face a battle to keep hold of the 23-year-old though as Mundo Deportivo are reporting that Barcelona are stepping up their interest in the centre-back. According to the report, Barca officials met with Skriniar's agent at the end of last season but opted to sign Clement Lenglet from Sevilla instead.
However, Barca have been poor defensively this season as Lenglet, Samuel Umtiti and Gerard Pique have all struggled for form, meaning Barca could step up their interest in Skriniar.
Barca will be able to get a closer look at Skriniar during the coming months as they play Inter Milan in the group stages of the Champions League, before potentially making their move for the player when the transfer window reopens in January.
It would require a significant bid to lure Skriniar away from the Nerazzurri though as the defender was an ever-present member of the team that finished fourth in Serie A last season. He has continued to impress this term too, with Inter conceding just five goals in six league games so far.
One of the most highly rated centre backs in Europe, that would be a class signing for any team!
(🗞️ Calciomercato)
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