Serie A runners-up Inter are reportedly the front-runners in the race to sign sought-after Lille defender Tiago Djalo. According to Calciomercato, Nerazzurri have overtaken Juventus and several other European clubs in the chasing pack as they bid to bring the 23-year-old back to Serie A.
Djalo has been on the sidelines for almost seven months now. He hasn’t featured for Lille since picking up a long-term knee injury in February. But despite his lengthy spell in the treatment room, the former Milan man remains one of the hottest prospects in the market. In fact, Inter could take him back to the San Siro as early as January.
Milan Skriniar’s exit in the summer convinced Inter to reignite their interest in Djalo. However, the Portuguese star’s nasty fitness problem forced Beppe Marotta to look elsewhere. Benjamin Pavard emerged as a glorious opportunity to plug defensive holes, and Simone Inzaghi’s men seized it without thinking twice.
Pavard’s arrival doesn’t exclude Djalo’s potential return to Serie A. Since the Lille defender’s contract runs out next summer, Inter are eager to snap him up on a free transfer. Their patience with Marcus Thuram paid off last June, and they’re keen to replicate that deal in Djalo’s case.
While Juventus remain in the mix, Inter have the upper hand. Nerazzurri sounded out Lille over Djalo’s availability a few months back. When the transfer window reopens for business in January, they could make a valid attempt to capture his signature on a cut-price deal.
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