Newcastle United have been linked with a move for Atalanta prodigy Giorgio Scalvini in recent days.
Atalanta will not listen to offers from Newcastle United for “crown jewel” academy product Giorgio Scalvini, NewcastleWorld can reveal.
Speculation has ramped up in recent days linking the Magpies with the 21-year-old defender. It is understood that Newcastle scouts watched Scalvini - a stylish operator who has also played in midfield - last winter following his return from an ACL injury.
The centre-back - who has eight senior caps for Italy - has endured a frustrating time having made just six Serie A appearances last season. Scalvini came back in November but suffered a shoulder subluxation that required surgery and ruled him out for the rest of the campaign.
While talented, those injury concerns added an air of doubt when reports linked Newcastle with a potential summer swoop. Renowned Italian journalist Matteo Moretto claimed earlier this week that the Magpies are keen on the Atalanta star.
Eddie Howe is keen to add a centre-back to his ranks, with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn entering the twilight of their careers. Sven Botman has also battled with injury worries for the past two seasons.
However, NewcastleWorld understands a move for Scalvini - while the recruitment setup like him - remains unlikely. An Atalanta source has insisted the club view him as the “crown jewel” of their youth setup and as an important player heading into a Champions League campaign.
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The insider added: “Will Atalanta sell? Absolutely no chance. We are very transparent normally with who is going and who isn't. See (Rasmus) Hojlund, Koop (Teun Koopmeiners), Ederson and (Ademola) Lookman.
“If you pay our price you get the player, everyone else we tend to lock down. Scalvini, on this occasion, is no different. Atalanta have no desire to sell and he is expected to play a key role under new manager Ivan Juric. The stance is firm from Atalanta at the moment - he won't be sold.”
Newcastle are still searching for a breakthrough in the transfer market after Howe called for swift action this summer. A bid for Anthony Elanga was turned down earlier this week, with the Magpies remaining keen on Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford.
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