Italian football expert Conor Clancy has delivered his verdict on reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Alessandro Bastoni...

What's the word?

The north London outfit are said to be in the market for a new left-sided central defender to provide competition with Ben Davies and sporting director Fabio Paratici is thought to be a huge admirer of the 23-year-old, who worked under Antonio Conte at Inter Milan.

He could cost in the region of £50m.

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Speaking about Bastoni during an interview with Football FanCast, the journalist claimed:

"He's the best Italian centre-back around.

"He's a phenomenon.

"He is going to be the next generation of Italian defence himself."

Conte's colossus

A backline of Bastoni, Eric Dier and Cristian Romero would certainly elevate the Lilywhites' defence into being one of the best around, particularly in the Premier League.

Given Conte's past experience with the 6 foot 3 colossus, there won't be many better signings for the club to make in the off-season.

Under the 52-year-old, Bastoni started 33 of their 38 games on their way to Inter's first Scudetto in 11 years last season, and he continues to be an major player under his successor Simone Inzaghi.

His ball-playing ability is something that stands out amongst the rest, having also earned comparisons to fellow Italian defensive greats Leonardo Bonucci and Alessandro Nesta.

As per The Athletic in April 2022, the Inter centre-back ranked inside the top five of all Serie A defenders for attempted passes per 90, whilst also ranking in the top 6% for intensity and top 14% for ball retention.

Also lauded as "complete" "dominant" and a "tenacious tackler" by scout Jacek Kulig, Bastoni outranks every single one of Conte's current defensive options in terms of passing, registering an accuracy rate of 89.6%, which is vastly superior to Spurs' best of 88.1% by Eric Dier.

The £60m-rated titan would be an excellent signing indeed, going by the above evidence, and Clancy's words only add further excitement into the mix.

Just imagine Bastoni and Romero bullying the Premier League for many years to come.

AND in other news, Gold drops Cristian Romero injury update ahead of Norwich clash...