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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Smith

Alessandro Bastoni breaks silence amid Manchester United transfer links

Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni is remaining focused on matters concerning Inter and the Italian national team amid reported interest in his signature from Manchester United.

The 23-year-old, who joined Inter from Atalanta back in 2017, is being linked with a move to Old Trafford ahead of the summer transfer window officially opening on Friday. Fellow Premier League clubs Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also being credited with interest in his signature.

Bastoni, who started Italy's 2-1 Nations League victory over Hungary on Tuesday evening, is one of the most highly rated central defenders in Europe and has been tipped to follow in the footsteps of Italian greats Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini. He has gone from strength to strength at Inter in recent years, making 44 appearances in all competitions this term.

READ MORE: 'He's top class' - Manchester United fans say same thing following Alessandro Bastoni reports

He played a key role in the side that won the Serie A title in 2020/21 under former manager Antonio Conte, who now manages Spurs. The former Chelsea boss is determined to be reunited with him in north London.

However, United have also been credited with interest in his signature, as Erik ten Hag aims to strengthen his own defensive options this summer. But Bastoni, who could face England when Italy go toe-to-toe with them at Molineux on Saturday, refused to be drawn on the speculation after the Azzurri's win over Hungary on Tuesday.

"I have a two-year contract with Inter, so I'm very calm," said Bastoni. "The club hasn't communicated anything to me, so I'm very calm. I think about Italy then I go on vacation and then I resume at the Appiano [Inter's training ground]."

It is reported that Inter value the defender at just north of £50million. United have already identified Ajax ace Jurrien Timber and Pau Torres, who is also being linked with a move to Spurs, as defenders of interest, meaning they are keeping their options open.

Eric Bailly and Phil Jones are likely to leave Old Trafford this summer, meaning reinforcements at the back could be needed. Axel Tuanzebe could also move on after a disappointing campaign at both Aston Villa and Napoli.

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