Inter Milan are reportedly ready to battle it out with Southampton for the signature of Atalanta defender Rafael Toloi. It was reported earlier in the week that Saints manager Mark Hughes is looking at bringing in more defensive options when the January transfer window opens, with Atalanta ace Toloi said to be high on the list.
The former Brazil Under-20 international has been a prominent figure since joining the Italian outfit from Roma in 2015 and his impressive performances have helped the club finish in the Europa League places in each of the last two seasons.
His current contract with the Bergamo-based outfit runs until the summer of 2020 but, as yet, there have been no discussions about extending his stay at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia.
Southampton are looking to test Atalanta’s resolve at the turn of the year and it is thought an offer around the £15million mark will be required to force through a move.
However, Inter are now being linked with a move to keep Toloi in Italy’s Serie A and pose a serious threat to the Saints’ bid for his signature.
The advantage Hughes will have in any bidding war is that the player is likely to get a better chance of first-team football at St Mary’s due to the good form of Inter’s current defensive duo Milan Skriniar and Miranda.
Source: ICS