Barcelona ready to revive interest in Alessandro Bastoni

Barcelona are interested in Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni ahead of the January transfer window, 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 this season, more than title rivals Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

Barcelona have expressed their interest to Bastoni and are ready to step up their interest in the centre-back in the coming weeks.

The Blaugrana will have to dig deep into their pockets to sign Bastoni, with Inter reportedly placing a €70 million (£59m) valuation on the Italian.

The 27-year-old is comfortable on the ball, making him a good fit for Barcelona. He ranks third for accurate passes per 90 in Serie this season.

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

However, the 27-year-old has endured a difficult spell in recent months, making individual defensive errors. He has won just 57 percent of his duels this season.

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

The La Liga leaders are monitoring the situation of 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 open criticism of the club’s hierarchy. He has also suffered a dip in form, further highlighted by his red card against Chelsea.