Inter Milan have seemingly moved ahead of Manchester City in the race to sign Club Brugge wideman Tajon Buchanan.
The 24-year-old began his career in the USA and most notably spent time with New England Revolution before moving to Club Brugge in the summer of 2021 for a reported £5.5m.
Buchanan has transformed from a winger into an attack-minded full-back during his time in Belgium, contributing with five goals and 12 assists in 67 appearances across all competitions.
The 35-cap Canada international has chipped in with three goals and four assists in 20 games so far this season, operating as a right-back for a Club Brugge side who sit fifth in the Belgian Pro League and have qualified for the last 16 of the Europa Conference League.
Buchanan is under contract at Club Brugge until the summer of 2025, but it is thought that the Belgian club could be pressured into selling the versatile wideman if he decides against extending his deal in the near future.
A recent report claims that Club World Cup champions Man City are considering a move for Buchanan in the New Year, while Manchester United and Newcastle United have also been credited with an interest.
However, according to Italian journalist Rudy Galetti, Inter Milan are 'closer than ever' to reaching a full agreement with Club Brugge over a deal to sign Buchanan.
Galetti adds that personal terms have already been agreed with the player and the Serie A club are confident that they can finalise the deal in the 'coming days'.
A separate report from Tuttomercatoweb claims that Inter are pushing to sign Buchanan in January and Club Brugge are holding out for a €10m fee, but the two clubs could eventually strike a deal in the region of €8m.
Inter are understood to have identified Buchanan as an ideal replacement for Denzel Dumfries, who has been tipped to depart San Siro in the summer of 2024.
The likes of Liverpool, Chelsea and Man United have all been linked with a big-money move for Dumfries, who is allegedly valued by the Nerazzurri at €50m (£43.6m).
There is also uncertainty over the futures of fellow full-backs Matteo Darmian and Juan Cuadrado, who are both due to see their current contracts expire at the end of the season. body check tags ::
