Liverpool are “keeping an eye” on Italy and Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, according to a new claim from former scout Mick Brown.
The Reds continue to be linked with a move for Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, with a switch to Anfield in 2026 still very much a possibility.
In fact, Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol has even claimed that Liverpool have a “gentleman’s agreement” in place with the 25-year-old.
Now, speaking to Football Insider, Brown said that Bastoni is of interest to the Premier League champions, as they look to find a long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk:
“Bastoni is a player I’ve always been a big admirer of. He’s a fantastic defender and has been brilliant for Inter Milan for a long period of time now, so it’s no surprise these types of clubs are looking at him.
“Liverpool have been keeping a close eye on him because they see him as somebody who would be an improvement on what they’ve got at the moment. He would be a great asset to any club, and one I would certainly recommend they go for.
“They’re not sure what’s happening with Konate, that’s still very much up in the air, and Van Dijk hasn’t looked like his usual dominant self this season. So it’s the type of deal Liverpool have to be considering, because they have to be prepared for any possibility if they might need to bring players in.”
Bastoni a proven elite defensive target for Liverpool
Bastoni could be a superb signing by Liverpool, having now proven himself as a top-level player who has reached the Champions League final with Inter in two of the past three seasons.
Still only 26, he has won 41 caps for Italy and should be a key starter if they reach the 2026 World Cup, with Giorgio Chiellini saying of him:
“Italy will play in the 2026 World Cup and will arrive at the 2028 European Championships with a mature squad. I know Alessandro well, he is one of the strongest central defenders around and for me, he is among the best in the world.”
If Ibrahima Konate leaves Liverpool next summer, bringing in both Bastoni and Guehi could be required, with opinion no doubt split over who the superior option is.