Inter Milan could move to sign Lille defender Tiago Djalo on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of next June.
This according to Italian news outlet Gazzetta.it, who report that the 23-year-old is not a target for this summer, but could become a free transfer opportunity in less than twelve months’ time.
Djalo has been on Inter’s radar for some time as a possible replacement for Milan Skriniar.
The Portuguese international has been reported to be the Nerazzurri’s priority target to replace the new Paris Saint-Germain player.
Contacts have already taken place. Reports suggest that Inter already have a verbal agreement with Djalo on a possible deal.
However, a major hitch concerns the Portuguese’s fitness.
Djalo has been out with a serious knee injury since last season.
The Lille defender will not be ready to come back from the problem at the start of this season.
Therefore, Djalo would hardly be a player who Inter will move for right away at this stage. Particularly given the status of the 23-year-old’s contract.
As things stand, Djalo’s contract with Lille will run out at the end of next June.
Inter Milan Could Wait Until Next June To Sign Tiago Djalo On Free Transfer
This summer, Inter still have to make one more defensive signing.
The departure of Skriniar leaves the Nerazzurri light in defensive, particularly on the right of their back three.
However, given Djalo’s injury status, he will not be a player they after right now.
The top targets are reportedly Arsenal’s Takehiro Tomiyasu and Chelsea’s Trevoh Chalobah. Meanwhile, former Juventus and Sassuolo man Merih Demiral could also arrive from Atalanta.
But there’s nothing preventing Inter from resuming their interest in view of next summer.
With key defenders like Francesco Acerbi, Matteo Darmian, and Stefan de Vrij all over thirty, it is likely that it won’t be too long before the Nerazzurri have to make further reinforcements to their backline.
Therefore, the Gazzetta reports, Inter are still keeping Djalo in their mind.
Naturally, the Portuguese could represent a real bargain deal if they can nab him on a free transfer when his contract with Lille expires.
