Manchester City have been dealt a blow in their courting of Inter Milan defender Milan Skriniar.

The injury to first choice centre back Aymeric Laporte, who is out for a lengthy period following knee surgery, has resulted in City looking at potential defensive reinforcements for the January transfer window.

But Inter Milan manager Antonio Conte is keen to keep 24-year-old Skriniar, with the Slovakian unlikely to be available in the New Year, according to Tuttosport.

Defender Milan Skriniar has started both of Inter's two Serie A matches so far this season

Skriniar, who is rated at £53m, moved to Inter Milan two years ago from fellow Serie A side Sampdoria, and has made 88 appearances in all competitions for the Nerazzurri.

The Slovakian defender has also started Inter's opening two Serie A matches - victories against Lecce and Cagliari - as part of a back three system.

City currently have just two first-team centre backs fit, in Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones.

Aymeric Laporte suffered a knee injury in Manchester City's 4-0 win against Brighton

Given their slip-up to Tottenham in their second match of the season, Pep Guardiola's side are currently two points behind Liverpool in the Premier League.

The champions do have potential options in Kyle Walker dropping back into a central defensive position, particularly if Guardiola fancies moving to a back three system.

Defensive midfielders Rodri and Fernandinho are also capable of filling in at the back, should they be needed from now until January.