Manchester United move back into the race for Tottenham target Alessandro Bastoni, with Newcastle impacted in both clubs’ back-up plan, while a Chelsea star speaks out on his future – both in all the latest Transfer Gossip.
MAN UTD LOCK ONTO BASTONI
Manchester United are back in the hunt for Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni alongside Tottenham, according to a report.
Both sides are looking to beef up their defences ahead of big seasons with different aims. United are looking to get back in the Champions League under new manager Erik ten Hag.
Spurs, meanwhile, are back at Europe’s top table and Antonio Conte wants to cement his progress next term.
Tottenham have had the strongest links with a move for Bastoni, who was a key figure in Conte’s Inter team which won Serie A in 2020/21. Previous reports claimed that Man Utd are also after the 23-year-old, but their gaze soon turned to Ajax’s Jurrien Timber – a key ally of Ten Hag’s at Ajax.
However, Timber has doubts over his game time at Old Trafford. Gianluca di Marzio consequently reports that the Red Devils are now firmly back in the hunt for Bastoni.
Neither side has made a firm offer for the centre-back yet, with Inter reportedly demanding between £51million and £60million.
But if both Man Utd and Tottenham fail in their attempts to sign Bastoni, Di Marzio adds that they could hijack the transfer race for Lille’s Sven Botman.
The Dutchman is a firm AC Milan target, but Newcastle still fancy their chances of snapping him up.
Both Bastoni and Botman have enjoyed impressive ascensions at their respective clubs.
While Bastoni helped Inter win Serie A in 2020/21, Botman led Lille to the Ligue 1 title in the same season.
Botman has insisted that he wants his future sorted by the start of pre-season so he can hit the ground running at his new club. However, Bastoni’s situation could drag on a little longer.
MARCOS ALONSO SPEAKS OUT
Chelsea full-back Marcos Alonso has confirmed that he wants to return to Spain amid doubt over his future.
The 31-year-old signed for the Blues in 2016 and has only a year left on his contract. He has endured a mixed time of his Chelsea career under different managers.
Antonio Conte was the coach who signed him and his successor Maurizio Sarri was also a big fan of the Spaniard. However, Frank Lampard and Thomas Tuchel have had other ideas.
As such, Alonso has had links with a move to Barcelona this summer and has reportedly held talks over personal terms at Camp Nou. Speaking to Onda Cero, the Spaniard admitted that he has a desire to return to his home country.
“I have already said that I would like to return to Spain, but in the end it does not depend entirely on me,” he said.
“It’s clear that the desire to one day play in Spain is there.”
Alonso developed in Real Madrid’s academy but moved to Bolton in 2010, before playing for Sunderland and Fiorentina ahead of his move to Chelsea.
He has made 212 appearances for the Blues, scoring 29 goals.
TRANSFER GOSSIP – VILLA DROP YVES BISSOUMA INTEREST
Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma is no longer a summer transfer target for Aston Villa, a report has claimed.
The Mali international’s stock has risen following his impressive spell at the Amex Stadium. Liverpool and Arsenal are among the other clubs to have reportedly considered his signing.
But Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard has made adding to his midfield a key priority too. He held serious interest in Bissouma in January.
According to The Athletic, though, that interest has now waned.
With Boubacar Kamara’s recent move to Villa Park from Marseille, Gerrard feels that the Frenchman can play a holding midfield role.
He is therefore not willing to pay over the odds for Bissouma, for whom Brighton will want a maximum fee.
Villa have further interest in Leeds United’s Kalvin Phillips, but the report adds that that deal is unlikely this summer.