Al-Nassr are reportedly targeting a world-class defender as part of a wider bid to keep Cristiano Ronaldo at the club.
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Ronaldo seemed set for Al-Nassr exitSaudi side target world-class defenderPart of wider bid to keep PortugueseFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Sky Sports journalist Sacha Tavolieri claims that in addition to trying to sign Feyenoord defender David Hancko, Al-Nassr want Inter Milan centre-back Alessandro Bastoni. This comes days after Ronaldo said his "chapter" with the Riyadh team was over, although a contract extension may yet be on the cards for the soon-to-be free agent.
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Al-Nassr were left reeling after Ronaldo seemed to confirm his exit from the club, but the 40-year-old may yet stay put after all. The Portuguese hasn't won a trophy in two-and-a-half seasons at the Saudi outfit, with the veteran said to be keen on being part of a side that can win silverware. If they recruited the likes of Bastoni, that would be a real statement of intent.
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However, the report adds that Al-Nassr have not made contact with Bastoni's entourage yet, and Inter have slapped a €100 million (£84m) price tag on the 26-year-old's head. That may fend off any interest for a player that still has three years left on his contract.
GettyWHAT NEXT?
It remains to be seen if Al-Nassr, who reportedly are prepared to offer Bastoni €20m (£16.8m) wages on a four-year deal, will be able to sign the Italian talisman and retain Ronaldo's services, too, this summer.