Antonio Conte and Tottenham are at the front of the queue for Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni if he does not renew his deal at the Italian club.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who say it is a case of ‘Conte in primis’ in terms of the potential race for the centre-back.
The website explains that it is a case of ‘revolving doors’ when it comes to Inter’s defence at this moment in time, with new signings eyed and potentially major exit in the other direction.
Bastoni is one those who could depart as his current contract expires in June 2024 and while there is enough time to get an agreement on an extension arranged, there is a small cause for concern.
First meeting have started with the player’s entourage and the player has always made it clear he wants to continue at the club. They also want to ‘indulge his desire’ to do so.
He currently earns €3m per year and the Nerazzurri’s plans are to renew him until 2027 with a new base of €4.5m, which would make him one of the highest paid players of those below ‘top of the squad’.
That message was sent to the player and his agents, the latter of whom have taken a moment to reflect and evaluate.
They know there is no shortage of offers from abroad, with ‘Conte in primis’ and more than willing to take the defender to Tottenham if he can.
Indeed, that is something he has already tried to do, with the player even admitting that the Italian had tried to sign him as part of his Tottenham rebuild.
“Conte wanted me at Spurs, there have been some contacts, but I am happy to have stayed here,” he is quoted as saying.
Since that point the Italian coach has ‘repeatedly tried to get information’ on the player he worked alongside during his time at Inter.
His future remains in the balance then, with the next Inter defence one that could be ‘very different’ from the one that will start the season again in January.
At the moment there is a will on both sides to get Bastoni signed to a new deal, but if that doesn’t happen or it’s made clear it won’t, Spurs will be waiting and ready to move.
