Euro Paper Talk: Conte favourite could fill key Tottenham gap as transfer becomes more likely; quartet hover for Chelsea ace
Tottenham Hotspur could be in the market for Alessandro Bastoni as a more natural fit in their back three, while Chelsea risk losing two of their players to the same destination – but there could be a twist, according to Tuesday’s Euro Paper Talk.
CONTE CONSIDERS BASTONI REUNION AT TOTTENHAM
Tottenham Hotspur could reunite Antonio Conte with Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni to give him the left-footed centre-half he craves.
That’s according to Calciomercato, who suggest Fabio Paratici will be active in the Italian market again this summer.
Since Paratici took the reins as managing director last summer, Tottenham Hotspur have made several signings from Serie A. For example, the likes of Cristian Romero, Dejan Kuluveski and Rodrigo Bentancur are now regular features of Conte’s lineup.
The former Inter head coach has at times seemed unhappy with the size of the task at his hands. But after denying dissatisfaction with their transfer business, he now has them on course for a top-four finish.
Strengthening their squad further in the summer will be essential to keep him happy. In that regard, one position he wants to strengthen is at centre-back.
He currently relies on Romero, Eric Dier and Ben Davies as his main back three. But there is a feeling he wants a left-footed centre-back, which may spell bad news – or a position change – for left-back Davies.
According to Calciomercato, the man to fill the void could be Alessandro Bastoni. The 22-year-old has established himself as a key man for Inter over the past couple of seasons, including during Conte’s time there.
Inter could sell Bastoni instead of De Vrij
But the Serie A champions’ financial situation has caused them to sell some key players since their title win. They may have to make another sacrifice this summer.
Bastoni is one of their most marketable assets. However, his contract only runs until 2024, so they could risk seeing his value diminish without an extension.
They had been planning to reward him with new terms. But difficulties in finding a buyer for another of their key defenders, Stefan de Vrij, mean they could now cash in on Bastoni instead.
Tottenham’s interest, deriving from Conte, is still at its early stages. But Calciomercato predict they would be able to afford the deal if the situation develops.
THREE CLUBS THREATEN JUVENTUS DOUBLE RAID ON CHELSEA
Juventus are working on the signing of Jorginho from Chelsea, but face competition from PSG, Barcelona and AC Milan. (La Repubblica)
The Serie A side are also continuing their pursuit of his teammate Antonio Rudiger. (Corriere Dello Sport)
Liverpool are the main threat to Inter Milan in their attempts to sign Gleison Bremer from Torino. However, the Serie A champions have an agreement in principle with the player. (Sport Mediaset)
Manchester United have discussed the idea of signing Darwin Nunez, whom Benfica will sell for €80m and whose agent is speaking to top clubs. (Fabrizio Romano)
The agent of Romelu Lukaku prefers the Chelsea striker to join Tottenham or PSG than return to Inter Milan. (Calciomercato.it)
ASKING PRICE FOR MAN UTD MIDFIELD TARGET EMERGES
Lazio have set a €75m asking price for Man Utd midfield target Sergej Milinkovic-Savic. They will not accept any players in return. (La Lazio Siamo Noi)
Barcelona may bid for Atletico Madrid attacker Joao Felix in the summer. (Diario Sport)
AC Milan will soon meet Sassuolo to discuss the idea of signing Domenico Berardi on loan. Meanwhile, PSG are in contact with current Milan forward Rafael Leao and could bid €70m. (Gazzetta Dello Sport)
City Football Group have denied that Manchester City have any interest in River Plate midfielder Enzo Fernandez. (Ole)
AND THE REST FROM EURO PAPER TALK
Brighton are willing to offer Danny Welbeck a one-year contract extension with the option of another 12 months. (Ekrem Konur)
Roma attacking midfielder Nicolo Zaniolo has an offer from an English club, but it falls €15m short of the €50m asking price. (Calciomercato.it)
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has completed a secret medical to sign for Napoli in the summer. He had recently been linked with Leeds United. (Corriere Dello Sport)
Leicester City want to make their loan signing of Ademola Lookman from RB Leipzig a permanent one. (Ekrem Konur)
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