"They told me..": Italian journo drops big Spurs transfer update, Conte surely buzzing - opinion

Fabio Bergomi has dropped an update on the future of reported Tottenham Hotspur transfer target Alessandro Bastoni.

In a recent interview with Calciomercato, the Italian journalist revealed that, despite Antonio Conte calling the 23-year-old on a daily basis in a bid to convince him of a move to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Inter Milan centre-back does not want to leave the Serie A side this summer.

However, Bergomi did go on to claim a source has revealed that, as a result of the Nerazzurri’s ongoing financial difficulties, Simone Inzaghi and the Inter Milan transfer team may be left with no other option than to cash in on the £54m talent in the coming months.

Regarding the future of Italy international, the journalist said: “Unfortunately, they told me that the expendable one could be Alessandro Bastoni himself. Conte is calling him every day, he doesn’t want to go, but this is the situation.”

While it is true that Bergomi does suggest Bastoni is not overly keen on the idea of a move to England this summer, the journalist’s claim that the 23-year-old could be forced out by Inter is sure to be news that will have Conte buzzing.

Indeed, it is clear to see that the £60m-rated defender is both the 52-year-old manager and Fabio Paratici’s primary target for Spurs’ signing of a new left-sided centre-back this summer, and, considering his returns for the Nerazzurri this season, it is not difficult to understand why.

Over his 31 Serie A fixtures in 2021/22, the £122k-per-week talent was dominant on the left of Inter’s three-man defence, helping his side keep eight clean sheets, as well as making an average of 1.1 interceptions, 1.4 tackles, 1.8 clearances and winning 4.1 duels – at a success rate of 60% – per game.

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