Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni has told CalcioMercato that he spoke with Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte in the summer – but states he is glad he remained where he is, instead of moving to North London.
Bastoni, 23, is a regular for both Inter Milan and Italy after first breaking into the Inter starting XI under Conte. He has clocked up 134 appearances for the Nerazzurri since joining the club from Atalanta. But his future is in doubt.
In the summer, he was strongly linked with Spurs. That interest is lingering, with Italian outlet CMW claiming that Tottenham could make a bid in January to sign the £52million-rated defender. His contract is due to end in 2024.
Asked about the interest from Tottenham in the summer, Bastoni was quoted by CM as saying that Conte had spoke to him regarding a move to Spurs. However, he suggests that he in no way regrets decided to remain at Inter Milan.
“If it is true that he [Conte] wanted me at Tottenham? There was some contact , but I’m happy I stayed at Inter,” Bastoni told CalcioMercato this week. Whether or not he may be tempted if Spurs return in January, who knows.
Inter defender Bastoni spoke with Tottenham manager Conte in summer
Do Tottenham still need a left-footed centre-back? Well, it depends what they do with on-loan France international Clement Lenglet. The Barcelona man is at Tottenham on a dry loan. He has been good so far, without excelling.
Of course, Spurs still have Wales star Ben Davies on the left of their back three. Dependable, and consistent. Never below a 7/10 – but if Spurs are to go from top-four contenders to title contenders, they need better than 7/10.
Bastoni would provide that. He is a top, top talent. With Cristian Romero and Bastoni either side of Eric Dier – it would be an incredible back three. January might come too soon, but if he does not sign a new deal – next summer?
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