Tottenham are still pushing to sign Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni despite being told he's not for sale, according to Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth.

The £54m-rated Italy international has emerged as one of Antonio Conte's top centre-back targets, although Spurs' chances of bringing him to the Premier League suffered a serious blow when his agent revealed he'll be staying at San Siro.

What's the latest news involving Bastoni?

The Athletic reported before the window opened that Bastoni was on a shortlist of left centre-backs Conte was hoping to sign this summer.

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Sky Sports then confirmed that Spurs' pursuit had progressed, with talks between the two clubs ongoing.

Bastoni, described as 'phenomenal' by Italian expert Conor Clancy, responded by saying: "I have two years of my contract with Inter, so I am relaxed. The club hasn't told me anything. I am just waiting to go on vacation after this and then start pre-season with Inter."

However, a matter of days later, Tullio Tinti, Bastoni's agent, met with the club's directors and said that Bastoni would definitely be staying with the Serie A giants.

"Bastoni will certainly remain at Inter," he said. "He has a contract with Inter, he is happy to play at Inter and there's no problem. I respect contracts. If they call me, there's no problem."

But Sheth doesn't necessarily believe Tottenham's hopes of signing Bastoni are over just yet.

What did Sheth say about Bastoni?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "The Bastoni one is a very interesting one because Tottenham are still pushing to sign Bastoni from Inter Milan. It should be said, Inter Milan do not want to lose him, and the agent has come out and said he's happy at Inter Milan, he's not going anywhere, but is that a screen where Inter Milan protect their investments so if they do sell, they get the maximum amount of money?"

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Could Tottenham still sign Bastoni?

It feels like Tottenham might be chasing a lost cause here, although it's been widely reported that Inter need to raise funds this summer to ease some of their financial problems, which leaves Spurs in with a small chance.

That could also come in the shape of Milan Skriniar or Lautaro Martinez, who've both been linked away in recent times.

But if a deal is to be done here, it's down to Bastoni and Inter, with Tottenham's stance on the situation loud and clear.