Man Utd target best defender in the world as part of summer spending spree

Manchester United are set for a thrilling summer in the transfer market, with the Old Trafford set for a major revamp.

Led by new minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS staff, the Red Devils are poised to set their focus on strengthening their defence and midfield over the course of the next four months, with a lavish spend expected – despite delays in appointing sporting director Dan Ashworth.

One of the players who Man Utd are trying to sign is Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, according to TV Play (via Fichajes).

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It is reported that Erik ten Hag’s side are ready to splash €60m on the centre-back, who has an Estimated Transfer Value of €51m.

If the deal were to be struck, the 25-year-old would become the jewel of a Man Utd defence that has been miserable this season.

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How good is Alessandro Bastoni?

Bastoni is rated as the best centre-back in world football by data analytics firm SciSports.

The former Atalanta player has a SciSkill of 131.2. This figure is produced using SciSports’ unique algorithm, which is based on hundreds of in-game data points.

For comparison, none of Man Utd’s current centre-backs have a rating of more than 100, so the Italy international would represent a massive upgrade on Erik ten Hag’s current options.

SciSports pick out passing and defensive positioning as two of the attributes in which the left-sided player excels.

Bastoni fits into the type of criteria that Man Utd are also seeking in the transfer market.

At 25, he represents a player just coming to his peak. He would arrive as the youngest member of the Red Devils centre-back unit, in which only Lisandro Martinez will be under 30 by the time next season begins.

There is a lot to like about this potential deal, from the price to the potential of Bastoni to make an impact at Old Trafford, but he would be just one piece in an extensive puzzle for Man Utd to solve this summer.