Inter close in on surprise deal for Manchester United target
Inter are in advanced talks to sign Atletico Madrid centre-back Diego Godin on a free transfer at the end of the season, claims Gianluca Di Marzio.
Godin has entered the final six months of his existing Atletico deal and is now free to agree a Bosman transfer for the summer.
The Uruguay international was heavily linked with a move to Manchester United at the end of the last transfer window but the Premier League giants failed to prise the veteran to Old Trafford.
United were reportedly even willing to pay £20m for Godin’s services but it was expected the 32-year-old would sign a bumper new Atletico deal.
However, a new contract never materialised and now Godin looks destined to leave Atletico with Inter in pole position.
Luciano Spalletti’s side are reportedly deep in talks to sign Godin on a two-year deal when his contract expires in the summer.
Godin is in his ninth season as an Atletico player and has developed into one of the best defenders in the world over the last five years.
Errors leading to an opposition goal by La Liga season for Diego Godin since August 2013:
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) January 5, 2019
13/14 - 0 in 34 apps
14/15 - 0 in 34 apps
15/16 - 0 in 31 apps
16/17 - 0 in 31 apps
17/18 - 0 in 30 apps
18/19 - 2 in 13 apps
Full player statistics -- https://t.co/j0GVNE1tSv pic.twitter.com/09UOMWvQtq
Atletico boast one of the meanest backlines in Europe and Godin has played an integral part in forming that, though he has struggled to rediscover his best form this term.
Due to injuries, Godin has only made 13 league appearances this season and has been uncharacteristically error prone.
Godin failed to make a single error leading to an opposition goal in 160 league appearances from August 2013 to May 2018 but has already committed two in La Liga this season.