Journalist hints Spurs-linked defender may join if Conte signs new deal

The Daily Mirror’s Darren Lewis has said that he expects Tottenham target Alessandro Bastoni to leave Inter Milan if Antonio Conte signs a new contract.

Spurs failed with a move for Bastoni in the summer transfer window (Football.London) but over recent weeks, the North Londoners have been backed to try and sign the centre-back again in the future.

Inter Live reported a few days ago that Spurs will reignite their pursuit of the Inter star next summer and claimed that the Lilywhites are ready to pay €50m (£43.7m) for the 23-year-old’s services.

Fichajes claimed on Monday that Conte has asked the Tottenham hierarchy to snap up Bastoni but they added that Manchester City and Real Madrid also have their eye on the defender.

Reports over recent days have indicated that Spurs are set to begin contract talks with Conte next month and that the Italian is expected to seek assurances to build a team that is ready to compete for major honours (Daily Mail).

Lewis believes that Spurs will find it easier to get Harry Kane to commit to a new deal and to sign big names if Conte puts pen to paper on a contract.

The journalist said on The Kelly & Wrighty Show (as relayed by CaughtOffside): “If he (Conte) commits, other players commit, Kane commits, Bastoni will leave Inter Milan and I know he likes Bastoni – a huge imposing central defender who adds the leadership he needs in central defence.

“He also needs a creative midfielder as well. These players come if they know you’re going to stay. Spurs have to persuade him to stay by giving him the finance and I think they will. I think he’ll stay.”

Spurs Web Opinion

I suspect that the reason Spurs decided to sign Lenglet on loan is that they felt after their conversations with Bastoni’s camp that he could be available in the summer of 2023. However, Conte will likely also demand significant investment into the squad in January.

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