The Daily Express journalist Ryan Taylor has revealed that the only way that Inter Milan could sell Alessandro Bastoni this summer is if they fail to agree on a deal to cash in on Milan Skriniar.
Bastoni was reported to be Tottenham’s number one target for the left centre-back role earlier this summer (Football.London).
However, the 23-year-old’s agent dented Spurs’ hopes by stating last month that his client will remain at the San Siro (Football Italia).
The Athletic reported earlier this week that Spurs pushed hard for Bastoni this summer but decided to turn their attentions to Lenglet instead since Conte wanted his signings to be completed in time for pre-season.
Taylor has now explained that Inter have a verbal agreement with Bastoni about remaining at the San Siro and that the Nerazzurri will not change their stance on the Italy international unless Skriniar’s impending sale to PSG falls through.
The journalist told Chris Cowlin YouTube channel about Spurs’ interest in Bastoni: “Ultimately the key for this is with Inter Milan.
“It’s well documented that they need to raise cash through a sale to clear their financial struggles. The one they would push to the door is Milan Skriniar who is a player Spurs have been interested in in the past.
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“PSG are in talks to sign him at the moment and following a meeting with Bastoni’s agent there was clear communication that he will be staying, but if they cannot agree on a deal with Skriniar, then ultimately it’s one they may look to push towards the door.
“Inter are confident within themselves that they can replace players as we’ve seen with Lukaku and Hakimi. I don’t think Inter are too worried about losing any players, but there has been a gentleman’s agreement with Bastoni that he will be staying.”
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Given that the left centre-back spot was one of the most important areas to fill this summer, it is not surprising that Conte decided he would rather not wait till the end of the transfer window to see if Inter would change their stance on Bastoni.
Bringing Lenglet in before the pre-season tour to Asia allows the Frenchman the time he needs to get accustomed to the Italian’a system ahead of the new season.
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