Manchester United are plotting a summer move for Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni. New manager Erik Ten Hag admires the player and could bring him to Old Trafford.
What's the story?
According to a report from Gazzetta Dello Sport (via SempreInter), Ten Hag is the driving force behind United's interest in Bastoni, but the club face competition from fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur managed by former Inter coach Antonio Conte.
The asking price for the defender would be no lower than €60m (£51.1m), but Inter are willing to let him leave in order to generate the funds to sign a big name player themselves.
[snack-amp-story url= "https://www.footballfancast.com/web-stories/read-the-latest-man-united-news-transfer-rumours-gossip-and-more-nunez-ten-hag-nkunku-richarlison" title="Read the latest Man United news!"]
He could be they key to United's defensive problems this season and be the first signing of a the new era at Old Trafford.
Imagine him and Timber
If he were to move to The Theatre of Dreams then he could potentially partner four time Champions League winner Raphael Varane. The Frenchman joined The Red Devils from Real Madrid last summer for an initial £34m and he is undoubtedly the best defender currently as the club.
United's defence would look solid with a partnership of these two players, and would allow Ten Hag to focus on improving the midfield and attack in the team. Furthermore, if United follow up on their interest in Ajax centre-back Jurrien Timber too, a formidable and terrifying back three could be produced.
Bastoni made 31 appearances for the Nerazzurri this past season and was key in their push for the Serie A title, although they eventually fell short to arch-rivals AC Milan.
When you look at his statistics this season, he ranks in the top 8% for passes under pressure compared to his positional peers in the league. It shows composure and ability to calmly play out from the back which is exactly what United need.
The £54m-rated centre-back has been dubbed a "phenomenon" by Italian football expert Conor Clancy and if you compare him to Varane they score similar in many categories. The Italian won 62 aerial duels this past season whereas the Frenchman won 63.
They also made a similar number of interceptions at 38 for Bastoni compared to 35 for the United man. In a partnership they would complement each other well and supporters could rest easy.
With United finishing the season on a goal different total of 0, signing Bastoni would vastly improve their defence and potentially lead to more points.
Just imagine him, Varane and Timber together. Already the future of the club looks a bit safer.
IN other news: Man United eyeing swoop for “wonderful” £31.5m-rated gem, he’s even better than Sancho...