Barcelona have expressed a firm interest in signing Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar, according to reports.

Inter paid €20 million to Sampdoria for Skriniar’s services in the summer of 2017 – and it quickly proved a smart piece of business.

In his first season, the 23-year-old commanded a defence that only conceded 30 goals in 38 games in Serie A as the San Siro outfit clinched fourth place and a return to the Champions League.

And according to Sky Sport reporter Gianluca Di Marzio, the Slovakia defender’s exploits have piqued a Barcelona side who are looking to add quality and depth to their back-line.

In a recent interview with SME Sport, Skriniar admitted he could be tempted by a move away from Italy in the future.

”Now we are ready to play in the Champions League, it wouldn’t be appropriate to state that I want to wear another jersey, although it would be an honour,” said Skriniar.

“Hamsik said he would only leave Napoli to go abroad? I see it the same way. Should Inter decide to sell me in the future I would personally prefer to go to a team abroad.”