Manchester United could reportedly go head-to-head with Tottenham Hotspur for the signature of Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni during this summer's transfer window.
The 23-year-old has again been a vital player for Inter during the 2021-22 campaign, making 43 appearances in all competitions, contributing one goal and three assists in the process.
Bastoni only has little over two years left to run on his contract at San Siro, though, and Tottenham are said to be interested in a deal, with the club's head coach Antonio Conte working with the Italian at Inter.
According to FCInter1908, there is also firm interest from Man United, and the 20-time English champions are 'pressing' for his signature during this summer's transfer window.
The report claims that incoming Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag is a 'long-term admirer' of Bastoni, viewing him as the ideal player to boost the team's struggling defence.
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Inter are allegedly open to selling the defender for the right price this summer, with Bastoni's agent Tullio Tinti said to have met with the Italian club's sporting director Piero Ausilio to discuss an exit.
However, it is understood that there have not yet been any official approaches for the centre-back ahead of the summer market.
Bastoni came through the youth system at Atalanta BC before joining Inter in 2017, and he has represented the San Siro giants on 117 occasions in all competitions, contributing three goals and eight assists.
The centre-back has also been capped on 11 occasions by Italy and could be signed by the Red Devils to compete with Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof for starting spots next term.
Ten Hag is determined to boost his backline during the summer market, with Ajax duo Lisandro Martinez and Jurrien Timber also linked with switches to Old Trafford.
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Villarreal's Pau Torres is also said to be a target, while Man United could also move for a new right-back this summer, as Aaron Wan-Bissaka has allegedly been made surplus to requirements.
Barcelona's Sergino Dest is currently being linked with a switch to Old Trafford, but the Red Devils do not have an unlimited budget this summer due to their failure to qualify for next season's Champions League.
The 20-time English champions have struggled defensively during the 2021-22 campaign, conceding 56 times in the Premier League, which is the worst record in the top eight.
Brentford, Burnley and Crystal Palace are among 12 Premier League clubs to concede fewer goals than Man United this term, and the Red Devils are battling to secure a top-six finish on the final weekend of the season, which would see them qualify for the 2022-23 Europa League.
Ten Hag is expected to be in the stands at Selhurst Park for Sunday's clash with Crystal Palace, as Ralf Rangnick takes charge of the club for the final time before stepping aside.
Matt Law
