Liverpool and Chelsea join race for £70m-rated Serie A powerhouse

The Catalan club are exploring ways to strengthen their defence and could consider a renewed approach, although their financial situation may influence the timing of any potential move.

Bastoni is also understood to be open to a switch to the Premier League, giving Chelsea and Liverpool encouragement as they assess their chances of completing a deal.

Manchester City are another club monitoring his situation, with their interest potentially increasing if Ruben Dias leaves the Etihad Stadium.

Inter, meanwhile, are under no immediate pressure to sell their defensive cornerstone and are expected to demand a fee around £70 million.

With several European heavyweights tracking his availability, Bastoni’s future could become one of the major transfer stories in the coming months.