Manchester City 'knocked back in Milan Skriniar pursuit'

Manchester City have reportedly been dealt a blow in their efforts to sign a new centre-back in January.

As a result of Aymeric Laporte's knee injury and a failure to replace Vincent Kompany in the summer, John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi remain as the only specialist players in the middle of the backline.

Pep Guardiola is expected to add to his squad at the beginning of 2020, and it has been suggested that Slovakia international Milan Skriniar has been identified as a potential signing.

However, according to Tuttosport, Inter Milan have already decided that they will not part ways with one of their key men at the midpoint of the campaign.

Head coach Antonio Conte is determined to keep all of the club's stars as they bid to secure a return to the Champions League next season.

Having penned a contract extension in May, Skriniar still has just under four years left on his deal at San Siro.