Tottenham Hotspur have been praised for their interest by Sky Sports pundit Paul Robinson as they eye a move for Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni.
The Lowdown: Bastoni linked with Spurs...
The Nerazzurri starlet has long been in the thoughts of Spurs, their sporting director Fabio Paratici and manager Antonio Conte, with their links with the 23-year-old dating back to the summer window.
Reliable reports suggested that the north Londoners were attempting a move for Bastoni earlier this year, and it appears that the Premier League side are still targeting him.
Italian sources state that Conte in particular is 'fixed' on the 23-year-old, who has attracted praise for his intelligence and maturity in defence at such a young age.
The Latest: Robinson praises Spurs as they eye Bastoni...
In an interview, former Spurs keeper Robinson heaped praise on the club for their interest in signing Bastoni.
The ex-England international said that the centre-back would be a 'statement signing' by Tottenham and exactly the kind of transfer to take Conte's side to the next level.
He explained to Football Insider: "Bastoni would be a statement signing. That is the type of signing Spurs need to make if they want to go onto the next level. They need to get that level of player now.
“That is what Conte is hinting at in his press conferences when he says he needs two or three transfer windows. Conte needs to be given the time and the funds to turn Spurs into a side who challenge consistently at the top of the table.”
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The Verdict: We agree...
Hailed as a 'defensive 'genius' by some Serie A experts, the Italy international would undoubtedly upgrade Spurs' options defensively, and it's safe to say that they need it.
Conte's team have conceded 11 goals in their last five top-flight matches and more than any other side in the division's top eight, which indicated that they badly need to plug those gaps at the back.
This is especially true if they stand any chance of qualifying for the Champions League again for next season.