“I am certain”- Tottenham Hotspur backed to sign 23-year-old Italian star to improve their defence

Transfer News: Tam McManus backs Tottenham Hotspur to sign Alessandro Bastoni in January

Former Hibernian striker Tam McManus has backed Tottenham Hotspur to sign Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni in the January transfer window.

Spurs have been linked with a move for the 23-year-old for some time now, and it is believed that the Italian international is ‘high’ on the shortlist for manager Antonio Conte.

Now, former striker McManus while speaking exclusively to Football Insider has backed the north London club to complete the signing of the centre-back.

“I’m just looking at their defensive record, it’s really, really poor. They are very fortunate to score the goals that they have. They have to go and strengthen the centre-half position in January.”

“I am certain they will be shopping for a top defender and Bastoni is brilliant. A seasoned international and someone who would come in and instantly improve that defence.”

It is not surprising to see Spurs linked with a move for a defender. The Lilywhites have been poor at the back this season, conceding 21 goals in 15 league games.

Bastoni would make an ideal choice. The 23-year-old has featured in 16 games for Inter in all competitions this season. The defender has also previously worked under Conte during their title-winning season in 2019-20.

While Spurs have some good choices to start at the back, recent injuries to the likes of Eric Dier and Cristian Romero have shown the lack of depth and competition at the back.

Moreover, it isn’t unfair to say that Davinson Sanchez and Japhet Tanganga can be upgraded on while Barcelona loanee Clement Lenglet is only here until the summer.

The second half of the season is going to be a hectic one and squad depth will likely play the most important role. Plus Bastoni is just 23 and could be part of the Spurs squad for many years to come.

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It remains to be seen if Conte does make a move for the Italian centre-back in January. A top defender at such a young age, he would likely make a very good addition to the squad.