There are a number of positions Newcastle United need to bolster before the summer transfer window closes. The midfield will be a particular area of focus as Sandro Tonali has left and Bruno Guimaraes is set to follow suit. Signing another striker might not be a bad idea either after their failure to replace Alexander Isak last summer.
One area that is being somewhat overlooked but might be equally important is their backline. Dan Burn and Fabian Schar are 34 years of age now. Sven Botman has had fitness issues.
Newcastle United’s defence took a step back last season, which is one of the reasons they ended up finishing 12th in the Premier League. Only two teams that were not relegated conceded more goals than the Magpies.
So, there is room for improvement. And it looks like they have their sights set on a player once described as the ‘new Bastoni’ by his legendary manager.
Newcastle United make enquiry looking to sign Italian international
According to Sky Sport reporter Luca Bendoni writing on GianlucaDiMarzio.com, Newcastle United have made an initial enquiry for Giorgio Scalvini. This is an initial exploratory request for the player.
The English club have expressed interest and have had contact with the player. But there has not yet been any formal move towards Atalanta for Italian international defender.
To be fair, Scalvini’s name has been doing the rounds of the Newcastle United rumour mill for a few weeks now. It looks like contacts have now been made.
Will the club be able to sign the Italian international? That remains to be seen. But someone like Scalvini would tick a lot of boxes they are looking for.
Scalvini was praised as ‘new Bastoni’
Scalvini is very highly regarded in Italian football. Legendary manager Gian Piero Gasperini was the one who handed him his senior debut at just 17 years of age.
While talking about Scalvini, Gasperini compared him to Alessandro Bastoni, saying:
“We’ve always had strong young players. In my opinion, a club like Atalanta has to produce one every year. That’s why I say Scalvini. He could be the new Bastoni.”
Atalanta need to balance their books this summer. So, they might need to make some tough decisions. One them might be saying goodbye to Scalvini.
In the past, it has been suggested that a transfer fee in the region of €45 million could be enough to sign Scalvini from Atalanta. That might be a figure Newcastle United are comfortable paying for one of the best defenders in Italian football.
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