According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Real Madrid have emerged as a surprise contender for Alessandro Bastoni, with incoming coach José Mourinho said to be a big admirer of the Inter defender, at a time when Barcelona's interest appears to be cooling off.
According to "Gazzetta", via "CalcioMercato", Inter value Bastoni at at least 70 million euros, a completely affordable amount for Real Madrid.
The Spanish giants are expected to make a major defensive revolution this summer, as David Alaba, Dani Carvajal and Antonio Rudiger are set to leave as free agents.
Bringing in an experienced and proven centre-back on the international stage is considered a priority for Mourinho as he begins rebuilding the team at the Bernabeu.
Barcelona seemed the main favourites for Bastoni's transfer, with the player having previously expressed his willingness to move to Spain, while personal terms were reportedly also discussed with his entourage.
However, coach Hansi Flick is said to be starting to have doubts about the defender's profile, preferring a centre-back with other technical characteristics. These hesitations have led the Catalan club to explore other alternatives, opening the door for Real Madrid to enter the race.
Bastoni himself remains determined to stay at Inter, where he was one of the main pillars of Cristian Chivu's team that won two trophies last season.
However, with Real Madrid's already concrete interest and the fact that the price tag of 70 million euros is not expected to scare "Los Blancos", the summer could bring one of the biggest transfer sagas in Serie A to a dramatic conclusion./Express newspaper/
t7 live
