Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni has allegedly informed the club of his desire to sign for Tottenham Hotspur this summer.
The 23-year-old played an integral role in the Nerazzurri's Scudetto-winning campaign in 2020-21, providing three assists in 33 Serie A matches under Antonio Conte.
Bastoni has remained an integral part of the Inter back three since Simone Inzaghi's arrival and ended the 2021-22 season with one goal and three assists from 44 outings in all tournaments.
Bastoni extended his deal at San Siro only last year, but those terms are due to expire in the summer of 2024, leading to speculation surrounding a potential summer move elsewhere.
Conte is thought to be keen to reunite with Bastoni in North London and has allegedly earmarked the Italy international as his number one defensive target for the upcoming window.
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Tottenham have now seemingly been handed a major boost in the race for Bastoni, as 90Min claims that the 23-year-old has told Inter he wants to move to the Lilywhites.
The report adds that Bastoni is determined to work under Conte again following their successful stint in 2020-21, and Inter will 'reluctantly' open talks over a transfer.
Since joining in a £28m deal from Atalanta BC at the age of 18, Bastoni has made 118 appearances for Inter Milan in all tournaments, scoring three goals and registering eight assists in the process.
The centre-back earned his 15th Italy cap in Tuesday's 2-1 Nations League success over Hungary but was in no mood to discuss his future after the victory.
"I have two years of my contract with Inter, so I am relaxed. The club hasn't told me anything," Bastoni told Rai Sport. "I am just waiting to go on vacation after this and then start pre-season with Inter."
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Inter are thought to be identifying possible replacements for Bastoni should he depart this summer, with Torino's Bremer and Feyenoord defender Marcos Senesi shortlisted by Inzaghi.
Manchester United are also thought to be keeping a close eye on developments surrounding Bastoni, who forged a strong relationship with Ivan Perisic down the left-hand side for Inter.
Perisic completed a free transfer to Tottenham on a two-year deal earlier this summer, adding to the influx of Serie A arrivals since Conte and Fabio Paratici took the reins at Tottenham.
Dejan Kulusevski, Rodrigo Bentancur and Cristian Romero have all made a positive impact since their signings, although Pierluigi Gollini is confirmed to be heading back to Atalanta BC.
Tottenham are soon expected to confirm the signing of Fraser Forster as Gollini's replacement, with the Englishman providing competition and backup to Hugo Lloris.
Ben Knapton
