MANCHESTER CITY and Barcelona have reportedly had bids for new Inter Milan hero Alessandro Bastoni rebuffed.
The Italy Under-21 centre-back is being eyed across Europe as he keeps Uruguay legend Diego Godin out of the Serie A giants’ side in a scintillating breakthrough season.
Inter have fought off Euro giants like Man City and Barcelona to keep Italy U-21 defender Alessandro BastoniCredit: Getty – Contributor
Uruguay and former Atletico Madrid centre-back Diego Godin has often been sidelined by the form of Alessandro BastoniCredit: Getty Images – Getty
La Gazzetta dello Sport say City were so keen for Bastoni to bolster their defence that they offered Inter a swap deal involving Portugal right-back Joao Cancelo.
But Antonio Conte is determined to keep the 20-year-old after making him a regular in his first term as Inter boss.
Meanwhile, Godin also arrived at the San Siro in the summer but the 33-year-old ex-Atletico Madrid ace has been upstaged by the emergence of Bastoni.
Spain’s Mundo Deportivo suggest Barcelona failed with a straight offer for Bastoni. who progressed well on loan with Atalanta and Parma in the last two campaigns.
INTER’S TITLE BID
And now he is a key part of Inter’s attempt to dethrone champions Juventus, who are four points clear of Conte’s rejuvenated squad.
Meanwhile, City’s transfer window speculation has otherwise focused on the other end of Pep Guardiola’s team.
Inter striker Lautaro Martinez has welcomed interest from the Etihad and Manchester United but insists he is happy to stay.
And David Beckham’s MLS new boys Inter Miami are being linked with City’s record scorer Sergio Aguero.
The 31-year-old is open to extending his Etihad deal beyond 2021.
But Becks’ newly-formed club have made contact, with New York City also thought to be monitoring the situation.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk