€80m for Flick. Barcelona have found their defender
Hansi Flick could eventually get another major reinforcement at the heart of Barcelona's defence.
Details: According to TEAMtalk, Barcelona remain interested in Inter centre-back Alessandro Bastoni and are once again considering the Italy international among their defensive options. The Catalan club pushed strongly for the 27-year-old during the summer, and their interest has not disappeared despite the transfer failing to materialise.
Inter stood firm during the summer and valued Bastoni at close to £70 million, which is roughly €80 million. That asking price became one of the major obstacles to Barcelona completing the deal. The Italian club are still under no immediate pressure to sell one of their key defenders, meaning any future negotiations are unlikely to be straightforward.
Barcelona are now assessing their options ahead of the next transfer windows. TEAMtalk reports that strengthening the defence as early as January has not been ruled out, although a major move next summer is considered the more realistic scenario. Bastoni remains firmly on the Catalans' radar.
There is also significant competition for the defender. Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City continue to monitor Bastoni's situation, while intermediaries have reportedly informed interested Premier League clubs that the Italian would be open to a move to England despite previously prioritising Barcelona.
It is worth noting that Bastoni remains an Inter player and has become one of the most experienced members of the squad. According to the club's official profile, the defender has made 304 appearances for Inter and scored eight goals. He has also won three Serie A titles, three Coppa Italia trophies and three Italian Super Cups with the Nerazzurri.
Reminder: Blow for Flick! Barcelona player could leave as early as January
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
