Tottenham’s expected loan signing of Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet could raise the chance of the club making a new pursuit for Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni next summer, according to the Evening Standard.
Fabrizio Romano confirmed yesterday that Spurs were close to completing a season-long loan for Lenglet, who is set to become the club’s fifth acquisition of the summer.
The journalist stated the deal will see the French international head to North London on a straight loan with Spurs not possessing an option to make the move permanent at the end of the season.
The Evening Standard have now confirmed that is the case, although it could also allow the club and managing director Fabio Paratici to revive their currently halted chase for Inter’s Bastoni.
Bastoni was made a key target for Tottenham in the early stages of the transfer window after Antonio Conte made a left-sided centre-back a position of need this summer (Football.London).
However, Spurs were unable to prise the 23-year-old Italy international away from the Serie A club after his agent confirmed he would be staying at the San Siro for the current campaign (Football Italia).
Spurs Web Opinion
On the face of it, Lenglet does seem like a bit of a stop-gap signing that will plug some missing areas in the Spurs team for this season.
The good news is that if he does not have a very successful campaign, he will be able to head straight back to Barcelona with Spurs having committed very little to the deal.
Bastoni could change his stance next year which could work in Spurs’ favour, but it could work against them if it is a similar story or if other clubs emerge as interested.