Premier League giants Manchester United are reportedly leading the race to sign Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, a target for Tottenham.
La Gazzetta dello Sport report that Manchester United have taken the lead in the race to sign Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni. Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester City have also shown interest in the defender, who could be the subject of a transfer tug-of-war come the summer.
Inter are in a much better financial situation than last summer when they sold Romelu Lukaku to Chelsea. The Nerazzurri will still have to make a big-name sale in the upcoming window, but they don’t wish that player to be Lautaro Martinez. Bastoni could potentially face the axe in that case if a suitable bid, preferably in the region of €60 million, arrives.
Bastoni played under Conte during the Italian tactician’s stint with Inter, where he led the side to the Serie A title. Tottenham are in the market for a left-footed centre-back, and Bastoni seemingly fits the bill, having played under Conte before. Manchester City, too, have enquired about the Italy international and could make a summer move for him.
But as per the aforementioned report, Manchester United’s interest seems the most solid, and they are favourites for his signature. The Red Devils are set to begin a new era under manager Erik ten Hag and are looking for summer reinforcements in multiple positions.
The Red Devils are in the market for a central defender as well and have been linked with a host of players. Villarreal’s Pau Torres is one of the names on Manchester United’s transfer wishlist, with the Spaniard reportedly preferring a move to Old Trafford over Tottenham Hotspur.
Ajax centre-back Jurrien Timber is another player who has been heavily linked with Manchester United. Erik ten Hag managed Timber during his time with the Dutch giants and is eager to reunite with the youngster, who can also play at right-back.
Bastoni is also on Manchester United’s radar, but Inter are expecting a bid in the region of €60 million. The Red Devils are yet to commit that sum and are currently preparing a suitable offer to convince the Nerazzurri into selling Bastoni. That gives a window of opportunity for Tottenham to pounce, especially by using the Antonio Conte connection.
