Paul Mitchell can sign ‘insane’ Marc Guehi alternative to save Newcastle United millions
Newcastle United are reportedly keeping tabs on Atalanta prodigy Giorgio Scalvini ahead of the January transfer window.
Centre-back was a priority position for the Magpies in the summer, with the Marc Guehi saga well-documented. Newcastle were priced out of a move for the Crystal Palace defender following his impressive Euro 2024 campaign.
There are suggestions United could revisit the deal as Guehi enters the final 18 months of his contract. However, Palace’s precarious Premier League position is a fresh factor at play as they currently sit in the bottom three.
Paul Mitchell told reporters in September that he is not limited to the British Isles and may look further afield to sign a Guehi alternative. This came after the sporting director vowed to adopt a more hands-on approach in future windows.
Various sources claim Atlanta wonderkid Scalvini is a possible target despite a recent injury concern. The 20-year-old has not kicked a ball last season as he recovers from a knee injury that saw him miss the Euros.
However, an ACL tear has not deterred Toon chiefs in the past. Tino Livramento was bought for £35million after missing an entire campaign on the treatment table and is now an England international.
Sven Botman also underwent ACL surgery in March but Newcastle specialists are confident he can make a full recovery. At just 20, Scalvini already has eight caps for Italy and is regarded as one of Serie A’s brightest prospects.
He played the entire second half as Atlanta won the Europa League in May - ending Bayer Leverkusen’s impressive unbeaten streak. Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United have been linked with the 6ft 4in centre-back, who has four years remaining on his current deal.