Chelsea turn to Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar after deeming Matthijs de Ligt too expensive

Chelsea are targeting Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar this summer after cooling on the idea of signing Juventus' Matthijs de Ligt.

The Premier League outfit have already lost two centre backs this summer, with Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen joining Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively on free transfers at the end of their contract.

And with Thomas Tuchel's side potentially losing back-three option Cesar Azpilicueta as well, they have turned to Skriniar in the last few hours as an option to strengthen their backline.

The Blues were keen on Dutch star de Ligt, 22, but have deemed his £102million release clause too expensive, so have opted to pursue the Slovakian star.

Sky Sports have reported that relations between Chelsea and Inter are strong after successfully arranging the deal to bring Romelu Lukaku to Stamford Bridge last year, and the subsequent loan back to the San Siro this summer.

But French giants Paris Saint-Germain are rivalling Chelsea for Skriniar's signature and have offered around £52m. The Nerazzurri feel that offer is low, opening the door for Tuchel's side to swoop in.

The German is keen to secure a physically strong and dominant centre back after losing one of their top performers last season in Rudiger, and are ready to offer around £64m.

Inter, although they recognise Skriniar's importance to the team, are struggling financially and club CEO Beppe Marotta has earmarked an exit for the 27-year-old as a way to help balance the books.

The Serie A side will hope the fight for the 54-cap international will spark a bidding war to potentially help them ease their financial woes.