Barcelona ready to revive interest in Alessandro Bastoni

Barcelona are interested in signing Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni, according to Sky Sports.

The Spanish giants showed strong interest in Bastoni last summer, but manager Hansi Flick reportedly pulled the plug on a potential deal.

Barcelona are now ready to revive their interest in the Italy international given their defensive struggles and injuries this season.

They have conceded 12 goals in La Liga, more than title rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

The Blaugrana will have to dig deep to sign Bastoni, with Inter reportedly valuing him at €70 million (£59m).

The 27-year-old is comfortable on the ball, making him a good fit for Barcelona. He ranks third in Serie A for accurate passes per game this season.

Bastoni would also give Flick’s defence the leadership it has been missing since Inigo Martinez’s departure.

However, he has made several individual defensive errors in recent months. He has won just 57 percent of his duels this season.

Barcelona have also been linked with underfire Manchester United centre-back Lisandro Martinez.

The La Liga leaders are monitoring the Argentina international, but will only sign him if he is available for a considerable fee.

United could be open to letting Martinez leave in January after his recent criticism of the club’s hierarchy.

He has also suffered a dip in form, compounded by his red card against Chelsea on Saturday.