After The Times’ Martin Hardy reported yesterday that Giorgio Scalvini is a ‘top target’ of Eddie Howe’s in our search for a new centre-back, another North East journalist has issued an update.
The word from the [Northern Echo](https://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/sport/25291221.newcastle-united-transfer-plans-atalanta-defender-giorgio-scalvini/) is that Newcastle United are set to hold talks this weekend with Italian club Atalanta, looking to seal a deal for their highly-rated defender.
Scott Wilson expects talks to take place over the next 24 hours, claiming Newcastle want to push through a deal ‘quickly’ to beat potential rivals to a deal.
After admitting defeat in the long chase for Marc Guehi, it seems the big Italian is now a leading target, if these two local reporters are to be believed, at least.
Atalana value him around the £40m mark, according to the Echo, who add that the Serie A side realise they are facing an uphill battle to keep their star defender this summer.
There is also noise from Italy that we’re keen, with respected journalist Matteo Moretto first reporting on our interest in Sandro Tonali’s international teammate last week.
Scalvini, who’s just turned 21, is a homegrown talent from Atalanta’s academy. He burst onto the scene in October 2021 and has since racked up 107 senior appearances for the Serie A side.
Standing at a commanding six-foot-four, he’s a towering presence who typically plays on the right side of a central defensive pairing. Plus, he was a key part of the Atalanta squad that lifted the Europa League trophy in 2024 – a winner, then!
His international pedigree is impressive too, having represented Italy at every level from U15s right up to the senior squad, where he’s already earned eight caps since his debut in the summer of 2022.
Now, a quick word on injuries. Scalvini has recently returned from shoulder injury that limited him to just eight senior appearances last season, and he’s also had a knee ligament injury that kept him out of last summer’s Euros.
Like Tino Livramento, who signed after returning from an ACL issue, the club would only make a move if he’s fully recovered, and there’s confidence within the club that these issues are behind him.
One to watch over the coming week? We shall see.