Newcastle United are believed to be interested in a move for Inter Milan defender, Milan Skriniar, with the Slovakia international facing an uncertain future at the San Siro.

What's the word?

According to Italian outlet Calciomercatoweb, the Magpies are believed to be firmly in the mix to sign the 27-year-old at present, with the centre-back having just six months remaining on his existing deal with the Serie A giants.

The report suggests that failure to secure an extension with his current side could see the Tynesiders put forward a 'huge contractual offer' for the 58-cap brute at the end of the season, albeit with any move likely to rest on whether Eddie Howe's side are able to secure Champions League qualification.

The northeast side will likely face competition for his signature, however, with Premier League rivals Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur all having been named as potential suitors earlier this season.

Imagine him and Botman

The 6 foot 2 titan - who is now valued at £34m by CIES Football Observatory - is no doubt an attractive prospect as a result of his potential free agent status at the end of the current campaign, having put himself firmly in the shop window following a string of rock-solid displays this season.

The former Sampdoria ace has started 14 out of 15 league games for the Italian outfit so far this term, notably averaging 1.4 tackles and 2.1 interceptions per game in that time, while also showcasing his quality in possession after enjoying a 92% pass accuracy rate.

That quality on the ball has ensured that the £92k-per-week machine also ranks in the top 3% in Europe among those in his position with regards to pass completion, while also ranking in the top 12% for progressive passes received as a marker of his forward-thinking approach.

Dubbed a "monster" by journalist Siavoush Fallahi, Skriniar would no doubt provide real class and experience to Howe's ranks at St James' Park, having racked up 236 appearances for the Nerazzurri to date.

The addition of the right-sided centre-back could well allow Newcastle to form a truly monstrous duo involving the Inter star and summer signing Sven Botman, with the left-footed Dutchman currently thriving at the heart of the defence.

The 6 foot 4 colossus has formed part of a defensive unit that has shipped just 11 goals in the Premier League so far this season, with the £35m man having had an "incredible impact" on the team, in the words of pundit Leon Osman.

That 'impact' is no doubt evident as the Magpies had shipped 62 times in the top-flight last term - the sixth-worst record in the division - prior to his arrival, with the former Lille making a "huge difference" already, according to journalist Josh Bunting.

To be able to partner Botman with the aforementioned Skriniar would surely be a menacing and mouthwatering prospect for Howe and co, with such an addition set to be another notable coup for PIF.