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Liverpool are reportedly ready to splurge funds on a major bid to strengthen their defence during the upcoming transfer window.
The Premier League champions are keen to bring in a top centre-back to provide competition and depth, especially with Ibrahima Konate’s contract position not yet sorted.
Sources indicate the Reds are ready to make a bold move, reflecting the club’s willingness to invest heavily in key areas.
This comes as Inter Milan are also actively planning for the future of their backline.
Several of their defenders, including veterans, have contracts nearing expiration, leaving gaps the club wants to fill.
Scouts are monitoring a range of defenders across Europe, from experienced Premier League players to younger prospects in Serie A and Germany.
Liverpool, like many other top clubs, sees this as an opportunity to target a player who could become central to their defensive setup.
The defender Liverpool are reportedly targeting is Italy international Alessandro Bastoni of Inter Milan.
According to reports from Il Giorno, the Reds are ready to offer around €100 million for the 26-year-old.
Bastoni is a cornerstone of Inter’s squad, tied to the club until 2028 on a €5.5 million-a-year salary.
He is among the highest earners at the club, with only Lautaro Martinez (9m), Nicolò Barella, Hakan Calhanoglu (6.5m), and Marcus Thuram above him.
Sources close to Inter insist Bastoni is untouchable.
The club has no intention of opening negotiations for a player viewed as central to their long-term project.
Meanwhile, Liverpool are reportedly prepared to flex their financial muscle to tempt Inter into selling one of their stars.
The Premier League champions reportedly see Bastoni as the ideal replacement for Konate.
Inter are simultaneously planning for their defensive future, tracking players such as Marc Guehi (Crystal Palace), Nathan Ake (Manchester City), Dayot Upamecano (Bayern Munich), Mario Gila (Lazio), Oumar Solet (Udinese), and Tiago Gabriel (Lecce).
Inter’s president Beppe Marotta highlighted the club’s strategy, noting, “For the first time, we’ve closed the year in the black; this is a historic achievement, and not a coincidence.”
“The club has shown foresight and foresight.”
“We’ve managed to move forward with our philosophy; the ownership has set clear guidelines and objectives.”
While Liverpool’s interest may be significant, Inter appear determined to retain Bastoni and continue building a strong defensive core for the future.
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