Chelsea are reportedly set to concede defeat in their pursuit of Milan Skriniar, who is close to penning a new deal with Inter Milan.
The Blues failed in their attempts to land Jules Kounde from Sevilla in the most recent transfer window, leading to suggestions that Skriniar could be sought as a potential alternative next year.
Romelu Lukaku has supposedly recommended the signing of Skriniar to the Blues, with the centre-back now having less than two years to run on his contract with the Serie A champions.
However, Calciomercato reports that the 26-year-old has never had any desire to part ways with Inter and is closing in on a new four-year contract until the summer of 2025.
The report adds that Skriniar also turned down an 'attractive' offer from Tottenham Hotspur in order to remain at San Siro, where his wages will increase to €4m (£3.4m) with bonuses.
The Slovakia international - who featured three times for his nation at Euro 2020 - has scored nine goals in 172 appearances for Inter since making the move from Sampdoria in 2017.
Ben Knapton
