Real Madrid want Bastoni, Inter want €70m
Real Madrid have Alessandro Bastoni in their sights (2). Inter have set their valuation at €70m. That is the number it takes to even start talking. Bastoni is 27 and irreplaceable to your backline, but the money is real. Mourinho has also asked about the defender, though Barcelona and Udinese's Solet are in the conversation too (2).
Chelsea knock for Marco Palestra
Chelsea have made an approach for Marco Palestra (1). Inter are not rolling over. The club have issued a clear warning: Palestra is not leaving without a fight. Atalanta have already slapped a €50m-plus-bonuses tag on him from the earlier interest. Chelsea are now testing whether Inter blink first.
Dumfries replacement close
Inter are near to signing a right-back to fill the hole Denzel Dumfries will leave (3). No name in the report yet, but the move is described as nearly done. That frees up the squad to focus on bigger targets, or to hold the line if Bastoni talks escalate.
Sommer lands at Ajax
Yann Sommer has his next club. Ajax have opened talks with the goalkeeper, who left Inter on a free transfer this summer. No drama, just a clean break for a player who served his time at San Siro.
