Inter Milan add Benjamin Pavard and Scalvini to defenders wishlist for summer

Inter Milan have started working on defensive reinforcements for the summer, identifying a handful of targets.

Although the Nerazzurri were barely active in the January transfer window, they held on to Milan Skriniar, who was denied a move to Paris Saint-Germain.

However, the Slovakian centre-back has an agreement in place to join the Ligue 1 giants on a free transfer next summer.

Stefan de Vrij and Francesco Acerbi also face uncertain futures, with their contracts at San Siro expiring at the end of the season.

Tuttosport reports that Inter have shortlisted several players to bolster their defence, including Bayern Munich’s Benjamin Pavard and Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini.

Pavard was subject to an offer from the Nerazzurri on the final day of the January transfer window, only to be turned down by the Bavarians.

However, the Frenchman is increasingly likely to leave the Allianz Arena when his current deal runs out next summer.

In addition to falling out with Julian Nagelsmann, Joao Cancelo’s signing has cast serious doubts over his future.

Inter will face tough competition from Barcelona, who are understood to be the front-runners for his signature. The 26-year-old has also expressed his desire to wear the Blaugrana shirt.

A host of Europe’s top clubs, including Atletico Madrid and Manchester United, are hot on the trail of Scalvini who is one of the hottest prospects in Serie A.

La Dea have placed a €40 million price tag on the young Italian defender.

Inter are also keeping tabs on AS Roma’s Chris Smalling, who has declined the capital giants’ contract extension offer.

The Serie A club were linked with Man United’s Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof and Atalanta’s Merih Demiral in the January transfer window.