Newcastle United have had their hopes of signing Inter Milan’s defensive powerhouse Milan Skriniar slashed in Fabrizio Romano’s latest Daily Briefing report. 

The Lowdown: Prime time

At 27 years of age, Skriniar is now in and around his prime years in the game, and you can see this in his approach as a ball playing defender. 

The Slovakian, dubbed a 'monster' by broadcaster Carlo Garganese, has added around ten more passes to his game in comparison to last season on a per 90 basis, averaging 65 accurate passes per match, and it's clear he'd fit in any ball-playing side in world football.

And perhaps unsurprisingly, plenty of sides are sniffing around as his contract ticks down to its expiry next summer.

This includes Newcastle, who allegedly bid for the dominant defender in the summer and have been named as 'top candidates' in a report from Italy this week.

The Latest: Romano dulls hopes

Writing in his Daily Briefing column for CaughtOffside, the transfer guru covered Skriniar’s recent links to Tyneside. 

Currently, the Italian is not aware of any talks with the Magpies, despite what recent reports have suggested.

Taking to his exclusive column, Romano said:  “Despite what you may have read elsewhere, Milan Skriniar is not in negotiations to join Newcastle as of now.

“Chelsea were considering him last summer, PSG have always been leading the race, but Inter are still pushing to extend his contract.

“A new deal and the captain’s armband have been offered – it’s now up to Skriniar; he has to decide.”

The Verdict: “As of now…”

The “as of now” part of Romano’s update bodes well for the side long term. 

Whilst discussions between Skriniar and Newcastle have not commenced as of yet, that does not mean that talks will not occur later down the line, especially if he does not extend his deal.

Sure, competition with the likes of Chelsea and PSG sniffing around serves as somewhat of a January transfer blow for the side. But, the PIF-led project at Newcastle is an exciting one, especially with the side’s occupancy of an illustrious Champions League qualification place at current. 

As such, while talks are not underway, a move for the £70million star is not off the table just yet.