Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth has backed Tottenham Hotspur to reignite their interest in Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni next summer.
Reports indicated earlier this summer that Bastoni was Spurs’ top target for the left centre-back role (Football.London) but the Italy international’s agent declared last month that his client will remain at the San Siro for the upcoming season (Football Italia).
Spurs subsequently moved swiftly to snap up Clement Lenglet on loan from Barcelona, with The Athletic reporting a couple of weeks ago that Antonio Conte’s keenness to bring in a centre-back quickly contributed to the Lilywhites turning their attentions to the Frenchman.
However, Gazzetta dello Sport’s revelation last week that Inter have decided to hold on to Milan Skriniar after being frustrated by PSG’s negotiating tactics, came as a potential boost to Tottenham’s pursuit of Bastoni.
Inter’s financial problems have been well documented, with the Nerazzurri allegedly needing to make a profit of €50m (£42.5m) during this transfer window (Sempre Inter).
However, Sheth believes that Spurs are more likely to consider Bastoni as a target for next summer.
The journalist told GiveMeSport: “Because Lenglet is a loan signing, maybe Tottenham have got a longer-term target in mind to go for next summer.
MORE SPURS STORIES
“Earlier on in the window, they were very, very interested in the Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, but Inter simply would not sell him. They consider him as one of their crown jewels, I think.
“But he’s only got two years left on his contract, so I think Tottenham will be keeping an eye on that next summer and, if he doesn’t sign a new deal, they will see if there’s a potential deal to be done.”
Spurs Web Opinion
The idea of signing Lenglet on loan has clearly been influenced by the fact that the likes of Bastoni and Gvardiol could be on the market next summer.
Spurs have seemingly decided that it would make sense to wait until next summer to push for Bastoni rather than spending around £40m on an option like Botman or Torres.
Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
