Inter Milan have begun planning for the possible departure of Alessandro Bastoni to Barcelona, drawing up a list of reinforcements ahead of next season. The 26-year-old Italian international is the priority target for the Blaugrana heading into the summer transfer window.
Internally, AC Milan are already planning for next season, and it appears that the squad will be built for the Champions League - an understandable decision, given the current position. It would be an incredible catastrophe if Milan were to throw away their chances of entering Europe's premier competition next season.
The spotlight in Italy is also on Gila. The Spaniard is a certainty for Lazio, but the January mercato (with the sales of Castellanos and Guendouzi) made it clear that the Biancoceleste are ready to talk if faced with a significant offer. Inter are not alone in this race, as Milan are also making a comeback after having tested the waters last year.
Entering the most important homestand of the season, the Toronto Maple Leafs had the opportunity to make up some valuable ground in the NHL standings while solidifying their hold on a playoff spot. However, the Maple Leafs would end up falling completely flat by putting up their worst mark in decades, coming out with a 0-4-1 record while being outscored 25-12 in the process.
I'm told the manager still isn't happy with his squad. There are a few positions he still feels they could strengthen in, despite all the money they spent in the summer, because they haven't been good enough recently. He wants to add another centre-half to his squad, that's no surprise to anybody. When you look through this Liverpool squad, there are still three or four positions where you feel they could strengthen, and it seems the manager feels the same.
The youngster is reportedly open to joining another club this summer, but he wants a loan move. He wants to return to Barcelona next season and establish himself as a key player for the club. It will be interesting to see if West Ham can get the deal done. If they manage to sign the talented full-back on loan for this season, it could be an inexpensive acquisition for them and would add much-needed quality and depth to their defensive unit as well.
