There is some distance between the contract extension offer Inter have for defender Alessandro Bastoni and the player’s demands, but the negotiations are not likely to drag on for too long.

This according to Italian news outlet FCInterNews, who report that the 23-year-old is seeking €4.5 million net per season plus add-ons whilst the Nerazzurri are offering €3.8-4 million net per season plus add-ons.

Given that Bastoni’s current contract runs out at the end of June 2024, the Nerazzurri are keen to avoid having him go into the final year of his deal at the risk of leaving on a free transfer, as is the case with Milan Skriniar and Stefan de Vrij this season.

There have already been early contacts with the former Parma and Atalanta defender’s agent Tulio Tinti.

The overall tone of the early discussions have established that the parties are both keen to agree a new deal.

Given the distance that remains between the Nerazzurri’s offer and the player’s demands, some talks will be needed, but according to FCInterNews it is unlikely that the talks will turn into a soap opera.