Bournemouth’s Lloyd Kelly, Udinese’s Jaka Bijol, and Atalanta’s Berat Djimsiti are all on Inter Milan’s shortlist to replace Francesco Acerbi.

This according to today’s print edition of Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, via FCInterNews.

Inter are starting to think about how they might replace defender Acerbi this summer.

The reason does not pertain to the former Lazio and Sassuolo defender’s performances. Even at 36 years of age, he has remained consistent as ever.

Rather, Acerbi could be on his way out due to a scandal that has erupted regarding his alleged racist abuse of Napoli defender Juan Jesus in a recent Serie A match.

If Acerbi were to be found guilty of using racially discriminatory language towards the Brazilian, it would be difficult to see the player remaining in the Nerazzurri squad.

Therefore, Inter would need to sign a player with a similar profile.

In other words, a tall, physically strong player with good man-marking ability in the penalty area.

Kelly, Bijol & Djimsiti On Inter Shortlist Of Acerbi Replacements

Tuttosport name three players who Inter are considering as candidates to take over from Acerbi.

One is Bournemouth defender Kelly.

The 25-year-old has impressed in the Premier League for the Cherries. And his contract with his current club is set to expire at the end of June.

Therefore, given Inter’s penchant for free transfers, Tuttosport report that the club see Kelly as a viable opportunity.

Meanwhile there are two other options within Serie A that the newspaper report Inter are eyeing up.

One is 25-year-old Udinese and Slovenia defender Bijol. The other is 31-year-old Atalanta and Albania defender Djimsiti.

Tuttosport note that both of those players are on longer-term deals with their current clubs.

Therefore, Inter would likely aim to sign them on initial paid loan deals.

But such transfers are hardly uncommon within Serie A.

Moreover, Tuttosport highlight, the two players’ respective clubs have already signed readymade replacements.

Atalanta signed Isak Hien from Hellas Verona in January. And Lautaro Giannetti arrived at Udinese midway through this season as well.