Milan Skriniar's agent claims Real Madrid are close to reaching an agreement for the Inter defender

Milan Skriniar's agent Mithat Halis has claimed that Real Madrid are close to reaching a deal to sign the Inter Milan defender in the upcoming winter transfer window.

Los Blancos set to beat Barcelona to Skriniar's signature this January

Skriniar has emerged as a regular in the Inter squad since his move from Sampdoria in 2017 and started all 12 of the Nerazzurri's games in Serie A this season.

The 24-year-old, who has established himself as one of the best defenders in Europe, was heavily linked with a move away from the San Siro at the end of the previous season but he ultimately signed a new contract with the Italian giants in May.

The commanding centre-back, whose present contract with Inter is set to expire in 2023, has attracted interest from the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Manchester United, and Manchester City, with the Spanish clubs believed to be the closest contenders to land the Slovakian defender.

Halis has now claimed that Los Blancos have the upper hand over their Catalan rivals in their race for Skriniar's services, telling AS,

"Skriniar is worth €100 million. 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. Real Madrid have to look for alternatives to their centre-backs, Ramos and Varane."

Tottenham Hotspur v FC Internazionale - 2019 International Champions Cup

Raphael Varane and Sergio Ramos continue to be the first-choice centre-back duo at the Santiago Bernabeu but the latter's future has recently been heavily questioned as he approaches the twilight years of his career.

Real Madrid may have begun their search for Ramos' long-term replacement but Skriniar appears to be focused on Inter's challenge in Italy at the moment. The Milan titans will return to action when they face Torino in Serie A on Saturday.

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