Liverpool handed transfer boost as 'Inter Milan drops Alessandro Bastoni price'

Liverpool has been linked with Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni, who could be available on the cheap this summer after the Italian team reportedly dropped its price

Alessandro Bastoni continues to be linked with Liverpool(Image: Getty Images)

Liverpool transfer target Alessandro Bastoni could be available for around £40 million ($53.3 million) this summer instead of the previously reported £60 million ($80 million) asking price.

Inter is looking to sell the Italy international to raise funds for its own incoming signings, according to Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport. Liverpool is among several clubs linked to Bastoni, with Barcelona reported to have made its interest known to the player's agent, Tullio Tinti, in recent weeks.

A number of English clubs could reportedly also emerge as potential suitors if he is interested in moving to the Premier League. A move within Italy appears unlikely given Bastoni's reported net weekly salary, which is said to be in excess of $100,000. That wage reportedly means very few clubs in his home country are willing to sign the two-time Serie A winner.

Liverpool already has Jeremy Jacquet joining this summer, though it may still be looking for another center-back. Ibrahima Konate's contract is running down, and Joe Gomez's future has been uncertain over the past few summers.

Bastoni's compatriot Giovanni Leoni also remains in rehabilitation following surgery to repair an anterior cruciate ligament tear on his left knee.

Bastoni has endured a difficult month and continues to face jeers during matches in Italy. The hostile reactions follow his celebration of Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu's dismissal during Inter's triumph against the Turin side.

Bastoni is one of Inter Milan's key players(Image: Getty Images)

The center-back admitted to overplaying his tumble to secure his rival a second yellow card and assist his side in claiming the Derby d'Italia.

Bastoni stated: "I exaggerated the fall once I felt contact with Kalulu to try and win a foul, but I have to apologize for my reaction afterwards as it wasn't nice to see, even if it was very human.

"I was caught up in the heat and intensity of such an important match. I'm sorry it went that way.

"I think it's right to take responsibility, but my character and my career shouldn't be questioned. I've played more than 300 professional matches.

"I didn't expect so much noise around it ... I've seen a lot of hypocrisy and heard people say things that just don't make sense. I thank those who commented fairly, saying I made a mistake without condemning my character."

He continued: "On a personal level, it hasn't affected me too much... we're exposed to this kind of media scrutiny, so I'm used to it, and I'm capable of handling it. I feel more sorry for my wife and for my daughter, who doesn't yet understand.

"Receiving death threats is unacceptable. I feel for her, and also for referee [Federico] La Penna, who found himself in the same situation... they should not be subjected to this kind of thing.

"Football has been like this for 100 years, there are incidents for and against you, and we need to stop constantly complaining and acting like moralists every time there's a case like this, ever since [Diego] Maradona's handball goal."