Atalanta reveal Giorgio Scalvini price tag in 'forceful' response to Newcastle United approach
Atalanta’s stance on Giorgio Scalvini as Newcastle United interest emerges.
Atalanta have reportedly rejected Newcastle United’s approach for Giorgio Scalvini.
Signing a centre-back is a priority for Newcastle this summer and Italian journalist Matteo Moretto reported on Monday that they are “very interested” in Scalvini.
The 21-year-old has made 109 appearances for Atalanta since his debut in 2021 and was part of the team that won the Europa League last year. He has also been capped eight times by Italy.
Scalvini is regarded as one of the best young defenders in Serie A but injuries have slowed his progress in recent seasons. He had only just recovered from an ACL injury when he sustained a shoulder problem which restricted him to eight appearances last campaign.
Atalanta reject Giorgio Scalvini approach - but name their price
As such, Newcastle were interested in a potential cut-price deal, similar to how they signed Tino Livramento from Southampton for £32million two years ago. The right-back had played just twice after returning from a year out with an ACL injury before making the switch to the North East.
But according to TuttoAtalanta, Scalvini is “untouchable” and Atalanta have “forcefully reiterated it’s a to Newcastle”. The Bergamo-based club value the defender between £42million to £34m, which the report claims exceeds the player’s market value.
Newcastle United’s centre-back search
Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi, who Newcastle tried to sign last summer, remains a target, however, Premier League champions Liverpool have emerged as favourites.
A potential domino effect could come into play with the Reds expected to move for Guehi once Jarell Quansah’s £35m switch to Bayer Leverkusen is confirmed.
Quansah was part of conversations that almost saw Anthony Gordon move to Anfield last June in a player-swap deal that would have helped Newcastle comply with Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).
The Reds made it clear they wanted to keep Quansah and instead offered Joe Gomez. However, a potential swindle was pulled when United sold Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson to Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest, respectively.
With Guehi into the final year of his contract, Palace are resigned to losing him and have lined up Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande as his replacement.
Diomande has been linked with Newcastle but as reported by NewcastleWorld is not thought to be a genuine target.
Why do Newcastle United want to sign a centre-back?
Sven Botman is the only Newcastle centre-back under the age of 30, though he has suffered from various knee issues during the last two campaigns. Jamaal Lascelles also missed the whole of last season with an ACL injury, meaning United were fortunate Fabian Schar and Dan Burn managed to remain injury-free.
Ahead of a campaign that welcomes the return of Champions League football, Howe is keen to add strength in depth.