It is no secret that newly-appointed Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is on the hunt for defensive reinforcements. The Dutch tactician is keen on signing a center-back this summer, with the latest reports linking the Red Devils with a move for a highly-rated Serie A ace.
That player is none other than Alessandro Bastoni, the Inter Milan talent who has established himself as one of Italy's finest defenders. The 23-year-old featured an impressive 44 times for the Nerazzurri last season, and while that campaign did not end in Serie A success, as Inzaghi's side missed out on the Scudetto to rivals AC Milan, Bastoni and Co. managed to lift the Coppa Italia.
Additionally, with Giorgio Chiellini having played his final game for the Azzurri, the former Atalanta starlet is set to become a staple for Mancini's side, having started in his national team's last two games – a 2-1 win over Hungary and a 1-1 draw with Germany.
These links come courtesy of Gianluca Di Marzio, a well-respected source on Italian football. However, it should be noted that Manchester United aren't the only ones interested in Bastoni.
In fact, the Red Devils are rivaling another Premier League outfit, with north London giants Tottenham set to be pursuing the Italian heavy. Spurs interest is for obvious reasons: not only are Conte's side in need of quality defenders to upgrade the likes of Davinson Sánchez and possibly Eric Dier, but there is also familiarity with the player as Antonio worked with Bastoni during Inter's title-winning season.
Alessandro is reportedly valued at $63M, and with Spurs finishing in the top four and securing UEFA Champions League football, the north London outfit should have the funds to finance this deal. However, both the London and Manchester clubs, who are on the hunt for a left-footed center-back, have shortlisted Sven Botman as well as an option, but AC Milan are leading the race for the Dutch defender.
