Manchester United Join Race to Sign Inter Defender Alessandro Bastoni

Manchester United are reportedly pursuing highly-rated Italian defender Alessandro Bastoni. The Inter Milan centre-back is one of the most sought-after defenders with various top clubs across Europe are keeping tabs on the player.

Bastoni made his Serie A debut for Atalanta in the 2016-17 season, at the age of 17. Inter Milan signed the Italian for a fee of €31 million and immediately loaned him back to Atalanta. The 2021 Scudetto winners recalled Bastoni from the La Dea after just one season and loaned him to Parma instead.

Alessandro Bastoni, Inter Milan, Manchester United — Image Obtained Via Inter It

Since the 2019-20 season, Bastoni has been associated with Inter. The 23-year-old was a mainstay in Conte’s 3-5-2 system that won the Serie A. He played as a full-back in the youth levels. Combining his experience out wide, with his excellent game-reading ability and aerial prowess, the 23-year-old has been very effective as an exterior centre-half on the left side. In 118 appearances for Nerazzurri, he has scored 3 goals and created 7 (stats via Transfermarkt).

As reported by La Gazetta dello Sport (via Daily Mail) Alessandro Bastoni has caught the attention of Manchester United and the Premier League giants have joined the race to sign the defender this summer. However, having missed out on Champions League football for next season, the Red Devils are a less enticing candidate than their competitors. Erik ten Hag is likely to receive huge financial backing as the club is looking at a complete rebuild.

Meanwhile, according to The Times, Inter Milan are reluctant to sell the ball-playing defensive stalwart. But, they would be willing to let go of the centre-back if their asking price is met which is set at £54million. The report states that Bastoni is comfortable in Italy, and is a key part of current Inter manager Inzaghi’s plans.

Tottenham, Chelsea & Manchester United all want Alessandro Bastoni. Inter could decide to sell him if they get a €60M offer.

📰 via GdS pic.twitter.com/IUvjIb85Cw

— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) May 29, 2022

Nevertheless, the Red Devils would face tough competition to sign the Italian defender. Manchester City are also interested in the 23-year-old, while Tottenham Hotspur would also like to reunite him with Antonio Conte. The Spurs are pushing for his signature following their £150m cash injection from owners ENIC. Inter have also lined up Torino defender Gleison Bremer as a replacement in case Bastoni does leave.

Manchester United are in the hunt for a new centre-back this transfer window. The performances of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Raphael Varane have left a lot to be desired. The Red Devils have also been linked to Jurrien Timber and Pau Torres as potential signings.

Bastoni carries more top-flight experience than Jurrien Timber. Furthermore, the Italian is left-footed, unlike United’s current options. The Italian is more defensively rounded than Pau Torres. The former Parma man is also 2 years younger than the Spaniard.

While Bastoni would cost more than either Timber or Torres, the Red Devils are guaranteed to acquire a world-class profile in the Italian. The Inter Milan centre-half has the qualities to succeed in Ten Hag’s system and could provide cover as a left-back too.

Should Manchester United pursue Alessandro Bastoni? Would you prefer Bastoni, Timber or Torres at Old Trafford? Let us know in the comments.

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