Paris Saint-Germain are reportedly still hopeful of reaching an agreement with Inter Milan to bring Milan Skriniar to the club on deadline day.
The French champions have struck a deal to sign the Slovakia international at the end of the season, when Skriniar will be able to leave Inter as a free agent at the end of his contract.
However, Christophe Galtier's side - who are currently working without two injured defenders in Presnel Kimpembe and Nordi Mukiele - are exploring whether they can accelerate Skriniar's move to Paris for a fee.
Earlier on deadline day, it was reported that such talks between PSG and Inter had collapsed, with the Ligue 1 champions not prepared to stump up the Nerazzurri's €20m (£17.6m) asking price.
Nevertheless, L'Equipe now claims that Les Parisiens retain optimism about bringing Skriniar to the club within the next few hours, although Inter will not allow him to leave mid-season without signing a replacement.
Simone Inzaghi's side are believed to have had approaches for Manchester United duo Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof rebuffed, but they are pushing to conclude a deal for Atalanta BC's Merih Demiral before 8pm.
PSG tried and failed to sign Skriniar last summer, but the 27-year-old has since rejected numerous offers of an extension from Inter and will end up at the Parc des Princes either today or at the end of the season.
Skriniar has remained an integral member of the Nerazzurri backline despite his contract situation, making 27 appearances in the 2022-23 season and setting up one goal in the process.
Ben Knapton
