Manchester United are prepared to rival Tottenham Hotspur for the signing of Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni.
According to FC Inter 1908, Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni is on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United, with both the clubs looking for reinforcements in defence. Inter are reportedly ready to listen to offers for the 23-year-old and could sell him if the correct bid arrives.
Bastoni joined Inter in 2017 from Atalanta BC before returning on a year-long loan. Another temporary season-long spell at Parma followed before he was instated into the Nerazzurri first team. He has since gone on to make 117 appearances for them, cementing his spot at the heart of the defence.
He formed an integral part of the Inter side under Antonio Conte that broke Juventus’ monopoly on the Serie A last term. The Italy international has been impressive this season as well with Inter keeping pressure on arch-rivals AC Milan for the league title. He has played 30 league matches, but despite being an important part of the side, Inter are ready to entertain offers for him.
Manchester United signed Raphael Varane from Real Madrid just last season, but the Frenchman has had an injury-ravaged campaign, while club captain Harry Maguire has struggled to find form, making a number of costly mistakes. This has forced Manchester United’s hands to enter the market for a centre-back and Bastoni has now emerged as an option.
The Red Devils have also been linked with the Ajax duo of Jurrien Timber and Lisandro Martinez, while Villarreal’s Pau Torres’ name has also been linked. But, Bastoni is also very much on the agenda for Manchester United, who will welcome new manager Erik ten Hag imminently.
But Manchester United will face competition from Tottenham Hotspur as Antonio Conte would want a reunion with the defender, who performed brilliantly under him in Inter’s run to the Scudetto last season. With Japhet Tanganga and Joe Rodon on their way out, a new centre-back will be needed at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to add more quality and depth to the ranks.
Though there hasn’t been any official approach from interested parties, the defender’s entourage is aware that Bastoni could be sold this season as he is not an ‘untouchable’. With both Manchester United and Tottenham showing interest, the 23-year-old could well be on his way to England come summer.