Manchester United to battle Manchester City for Italian defender

Italian defender Alessandro Bastoni is reportedly attracting interest from two Premier League giants, with both Manchester United and City looking to secure his services in the upcoming transfer window.

The 24-year-old centre-back has impressed for both club and country in recent years, establishing himself as a regular starter for Serie A giants Inter Milan and the Italian national team. His performances have caught the eye of scouts from the Premier League, who see him as a player with huge potential and a bright future.

According to reports in the Italian media Fichajes, Manchester United and Manchester City are now vying for his signature, with both clubs keen to strengthen their backlines ahead of the new season. United, in particular, are said to be in the market for a new centre-back, with Erik ten Hag looking to bolster his defence after a disappointing campaign in the Premier League and Europe.

Bastoni would certainly fit the bill for United, with his pace, power, and technical ability making him a perfect fit for the club’s playing style. The Red Devils have struggled at times defensively this season, with captain Harry Maguire often left exposed. The addition of Bastoni would add some much-needed depth to their squad and provide competition for places in the starting lineup.

Meanwhile, Manchester City are also said to be monitoring Bastoni’s progress closely, with Pep Guardiola keen to add another centre-back to his squad. The Catalan coach has been linked with a number of high-profile defenders in recent months, but Bastoni’s youth and potential make him an attractive option for the Citizens.

Of course, any deal for the talented defender would not come cheap, with Inter Milan said to be demanding a fee in excess of €50 million for his services. However, with both Manchester clubs known for their spending power, it remains to be seen whether they will be willing to meet the Italian club’s asking price.

Overall, it looks like the race for Bastoni’s signature is set to be a hotly contested one, with both Manchester United and City keen to add him to their ranks ahead of the new season. Whether either club will be successful in their pursuit of the highly-rated defender remains to be seen, but one thing is for sure – he would be a valuable addition to any team in the world.

Would you like to see Alessandro Bastoni at Old Trafford?