Fabrizio Romano has updated Tottenham’s chances of signing Inter Milan center-back Alessandro Bastoni in the January transfer window.
Spurs failed to land the Italy international last summer, eventually landing Clement Lenglet on loan from Barcelona instead. However, they have recently renewed that interest in the hope of securing a transfer in the new year.
Inter Live stated in October that the north London side would move for Bastoni next summer. They even claimed that Daniel Levy is ready to cough up £43.7million for the 23-year-old’s services.
However, there have also been suggestions Tottenham is ready to test the waters over a January swoop.
And despite Manchester City and Real Madrid showing an interest, the chance for Bastoni to play under Antonio Conte gives Spurs a headstart on their rivals.
Indeed, one former Tottenham star believes the center-back is the ‘statement’ signing the club needs.
Optimism for a January deal appears to be fading though, especially given Romano’s latest comments.
The transfer insider claims that the Nerazzurri have taken a strong stance over the defender’s position in January.
He told GiveMeSport: “They’re (Tottenham) looking for a center-back because, in that position, they probably need a new player in January.
“I have seen a lot of links with Alessandro Bastoni. But I’m told that Inter is not open to letting him go in January.”
Romero’s absence telling for Tottenham
That news will come as a massive blow to Antonio Conte’s hopes of bolstering a defense that has struggled of late after starting the campaign well.
The absence of Cristian Romero has not helped, with the Argentine constantly hampered by injury issues.
Eric Dier’s level has also dropped after previously excelling under Conte. However, he still earned a place in the England World Cup squad and made a second-half appearance against Iran.
Arguably the club’s best defender in recent weeks has been Ben Davies. And it’s the Welshman who is continually tipped to lose his place to a Bastoni, Josko Garvidol, or Milan Skriniar.
But if Conte is forced to stick with the central defenders he currently has at his disposal then there could be some struggles after the World Cup break.
Defensively Spurs tend to struggle against their ‘Big Six’ rivals. However, a back three of Dier, Lenglet, and Davies conceded three at home to Leeds, which does not bode very well for future outings.
Conte’s men are back in action on Boxing Day when they head to Brentford in the Premier League.
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