Inter have ruled out sending Alessandro Bastoni to Cagliari as part of a deal to sign Nicolo Barella, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Nerazzurri were considering loaning the defender to Sardinia as negotiations for the midfielder continue, with Federico Dimarco and Eder other suggested makeweights.
However, Antonio Conte’s decision to play a three-man defence next season means Bastoni must stay as he is the only left-footed player they have there.
“Bastoni would be the sixth defender as things stand and Conte would like to study him in preseason before signing anyone else,” Gazzetta reported this morning.
Beppe Marotta was due to meet Cagliari owner Tommaso Giulini this weekend for decisive talks over Barella, but this will now not take place until next week.
Giulini is currently outside Italy for work and this confirms the distance which still exists between the parties.
Cagliari want €50 million for Barella while Inter are only offering €25-30 million in cash, making up the rest with young players.
The Nerazzurri have no intention to get involved in auctions with other clubs and Marotta will reiterate this when he meets Giulini.
Barella has already agreed personal terms with Inter and is waiting for the green light to join the Nerazzurri.
