Tottenham Hotspur could still be looking at a move for previous transfer target Alessandro Bastoni to bolster their centre-back options.
That is according to journalist Pete O’Rourke, who was speaking to This is Futbol about the latest transfer news from Hotspur Way.
According to InterLive (via Sport Witness), Tottenham are preparing a bid worth €50m (£43m) for the centre-back in January, with the club looking to add another body in at the back.
The club had previously chased the signature of the 23-year-old in the summer, but the Inter man stayed at the San Siro following the conclusion of the window.
The same report also suggests that Chelsea are interested in a move for the Italy international in January.
And O’Rourke is sure that Bastoni will still be on the club’s transfer shortlist, with that left side of centre-back being a “problem” area for Spurs.
He said: “I’m sure he still remains on that target list for Tottenham. They were interested in him in the summer.
“I still think it’s a problem position maybe, that left-sided centre-back area for Tottenham.
“They’ve obviously bought [Clément] Lenglet in on loan from Barcelona, but whether that loan is made permanent, we’ll have to wait and see.”
TIF Thoughts on O’Rourke’s comments…
Bastoni would be a much-needed left-footed addition for Antonio Conte’s squad this winter, with the club only possessing Clément Lenglet as a centre-half comfortable on his left-side as it stands, with Barcelona loanee only having played 36% of minutes available in the Premier League so far.
The 16-time Italy international has shown impressive numbers over the last year at Inter, ranking in the top 4% of centre-backs across Europe’s top five leagues and European competition for progressive passes received per 90 minutes (0.83) and top 9% progressive passes made per 90 minutes (3.74) over the last 365 days, according to FBref, suggesting that he would definitely fit into to Conte’s preferred back-three system.
Even in his last three games, Bastoni has provided an assist in each outing showing just what an influence he can provide to an attack – with passes which may remind Spurs fans of Toby Alderweireld’s lofty passes.
Therefore, we believe that Bastoni would prove to be an excellent signing for the north London side this winter.