‘I’ve watched Alessandro Bastoni closely, this is why he is perfect for Liverpool’
Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni is an outstanding option for Liverpool should they pursue a big-money signing to strengthen their defensive options.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 26-year-old has the perfect attributes to thrive in the Premier League.
Arne Slot is concerned about his current options, with Ibrahima Konate‘s future up in the air and Virgil van Dijk suffering from a loss of form so far this season.
However, Bastoni has been identified as somebody to come in and add further structure and discipline to a back line which has struggled since last year’s triumph.
Slot’s side have kept just one clean sheet in their last five league games, and just five in 18 this term, having been so sound at the back last time out.
Liverpool plot move to sign Alessandro Bastoni
Brown told Football Insider on 23 December that Liverpool are keeping tabs on Bastoni as one of their top targets to strengthen at the back.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment and watched Bastoni closely while in his role as a senior scout at Tottenham, insisted that the Italy international’s ruthless defensive style would make him perfect for Slot.
“Bastoni is somebody who I have seen a lot of over the years,” he told Football Insider.
“I’ve always been very impressed by him. He’s a typical Italian defender, takes no nonsense. My initial look at his was as a left-sided one of three.
“I didn’t think he was blessed with great pace, but he took no prisoners, used his physicality well.
“He would probably be perfect for a team like Liverpool in a back four, he’s left-footed, confident in possession and would be a great asset to them.
“Bastoni is the type of player that can turn an average team into a winning team because he would solidify the defence and make them tough to get at.
“That’s what Liverpool have struggled with this season, teams know they can get at them and their current options aren’t dealing with it.”
Liverpool learn Bastoni asking price
Football Insider revealed last month that Liverpool are interested in Bastoni, but would have to pay over £80million to land a mid-season deal, leading to uncertainty.
Having spent over £400million to strengthen their squad during the summer, there are questions about whether the Reds would be prepared to spend big again in January.
They are also targeting other key positions including a new forward following Alexander Isak’s injury blow, which could also cost them big money.
Instead, the Reds may be tempted to pursue a cheaper option, with Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi still the leading candidate given his imminent availability.
While Palace are reluctant to lose Guehi in January, he will become available for free in the summer, with Liverpool among a number of high-profile suitors.
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