Newcastle United would be willing to plot an ambitious move for Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni this summer, but don’t to pay up for the defender.
Calciomercato report in the Italian centre back today and his long list of suitors in Europe, including Newcastle United.
Newcastle United won’t pay
The 27-year-old had appeared destined for Barcelona this summer but a difficult few months have, for now, put an end to that idea. Staying at Inter Milan is the most concrete possibility this summer.
Barcelona had tried to make a deal happen but only offered €40-45m plus bonuses. Inter Milan are asking for €60-70m but want the defender to specifically ask to leave to accept it.
So, the focus has turned to other potential options. Newcastle United are one of the sides who have ‘always been on the lookout’ for him. But they have never really appeared ready to present a suitable offer to Inter.
In other words, they like the defender, but have no desire to pay the €60-70m that Inter clearly want for him. So, a move to St James Park does not appear to be on the cards for the time being.
Inter stay likely
For now, staying at Inter seems to be the most likely outcome. He has a deal with the Italian side until 2028, meaning something will have to be done on that front.
Inter would not want the defender completing this season and entering next summer in the final year of his deal. That is a risky exercise for a player that they value so highly.
If they cannot secure a new deal, though, this summer is the ideal one in which to sell. The issue is that their valuation is currently putting off any suitors. Newcastle United fall into that category. They like the defender, and would love to sign him, but not at the figures currently being quoted.
