Battle brewing? Chelsea to rival Man City for £60m-rated Inter and Italy defender Alessandro Bastoni

• Inter ready to sell Bastoni
• Chelsea set to battle City
• Bastoni eyed to replace Thiago Silva

WHAT HAPPENED? Both Premier League clubs are weighing up a potential swoop for Italy international Bastoni next year, according to Calciomercato. According to the report, the Blues intend to strengthen their defence, as it's possible that veteran centre-back Thiago Silva will leave Stamford Bridge when his contract expires in the summer. On the other hand, City are apparently looking for new faces at centre-back as they continuously work to improve as a unit under Pep Guardiola.

THE BIGGER PICTURE: It has been reported that Inter would be prepared to let Bastoni go at the end of the current season. It is said that the Italian club need to sell the 24-year-old in order to bolster their team, since the Nerazzurri have a stringent transfer policy to adhere to due to budgetary constraints. Inter would be prepared to start talks with possible buyers for Bastoni if their £60 million ($73m) valuation is met.

IN THREE PHOTOS:

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WHAT NEXT? While Inter are open to the sale, it is possible that an agreement being reached in January could be difficult. Bastoni will likely see out the 2023-24 campaign at San Siro before deciding on his next move.