Inter are reluctant to include defender Alessandro Bastoni in a deal to sign Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella for one specific reason, according to Corriere dello Sport.

Bastoni is currently the only left-footed defender the Nerazzurri have in their squad and his departure would deprive Antonio Conte of an important back-up.

Diego Godin is used to playing on the left-hand side of a central defensive pairing but Inter would ideally have a replacement ready to step in when necessary.

Bastoni could nevertheless be included in the deal for Barella, with Cagliari proposing an option to buy for €30 million and a counter-option Inter could exercise for €35 million.

Roma full-back Aleksandar Kolarov could be the solution to the dilemma, given he can play on the left of a back three.

Inter want to spend less cash than Cagliari are asking for but the Rossoblu are not budging from their initial requests.

Federico Dimarco and Eder could be brought into negotiations as makeweights along with Bastoni.