Speaking in a Tottenham Hotspur Q&A, journalist Jack Pitt-Brooke of The Athletic has shared the very latest update on sporting director Fabio Paratici's pursuit of Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni.

The Lowdown: Spurs hopes alive?

The defensive sensation has been a target for Spurs since the start of the summer transfer window, and despite the player's agent seemingly ruling out a San Siro exit, reports have suggested that the Lilywhites may still have a chance of signing him.

Indeed, the Nerazzurri's need to generate funds through player sales could hand Spurs manager Antonio Conte a glimmer of hope to sign the Italy international, who would come as a real upgrade to his back three.

Bastoni is one of many targets for the left-sided centre-back role at N17, and when asked who could be likely to join the north Londoners, Pitt-Brooke shared the latest on Inter's rising star.

The Latest: Paratici 'working on' Bastoni...

Speaking in a Q&A for The Athletic, the journalist stated that attention has apparently 'turned' to the 23-year-old given that fellow target Josko Gvardiol of RB Leipzig could be out of Spurs' reach.

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Pitt-Brooke explained: "My impression is that Gvardiol will be beyond what they can do this summer. Spurs are happy to spend what you might call “Romero money” for this position, but that was only €50 million (£42.5 million). Gvardiol could cost close to double that to get out of RB Leipzig. That is why attention has turned to Bastoni, which Spurs are working on, but it all depends on his club, Inter Milan. If Inter get Gleison Bremer from Torino, it will make sense for them to sell a centre-back, although that could just as easily be Milan Skriniar as Bastoni."

The Verdict: Interesting weeks ahead...

We feel it is unlikely that Bastoni leaves Inter given the recent statement from his representative, but if Paratici somehow manages to pull off a move, it would be another stroke of genius from the Spurs chief.

After signing Premier League star Yves Bissouma, the colossal Serie A defender could be a more than impressive follow-up given his sky-high potential and likeness to Azzurri legend Giorgio Chiellini.

Speaking to GiveMeSport, Italian football expert Conor Clancy called Bastoni a 'defensive genius' and an 'intelligent' player to have at the back - further supporting the notion that he would be a brilliant capture at Hotspur Way.

In other news: The Guardian: Tottenham eyeing 'big' 183-goal player move, Harry Redknapp called him 'priceless'...find out more here.