Manchester United are a club that need reinforcements in various areas of the pitch but one position they seem relatively well sorted in is the central defence. Ruben Amorim has a plethora of options to use in this position, with the likes of Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazroui and Ayden Heaven competing for the three spots.
That said, it is also worth noting that the English club let two central defenders – Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof leave in search of a new club and they might be looking at bringing in a versatile player who can provide cover in central defence but also be able to play elsewhere.
One player who perfectly fits this bill is Italian defender Giorgio Scalvini. Now, as per the I Paper (h/t Manchester Evening News), Manchester United are showing interest in the Atalanta footballer but are not alone with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur also said to be keen.
🚨⚫️⚪️ Giorgio Scalvini, one of the main names on Newcastle shortlist for this summer.
Understand there are also more clubs keen on Scalvini and involved in the race, not an easy deal with Atalanta but initial approaches took place.
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Shares more than just the first name with Giorgio Chiellini
Scalvini shares more than just his first name with Juventus and Italian defensive legend Giorgio Chiellini. He is a defensive monster like his senior counterpart, marshalling a backline with his smart defensive acumen and the ability to read play and intercept attacks at source.
What the 21-year-old has in addition to this defensive prowess is his ability to influence the game with the ball at his feet. Scalvini is capable of playing the ball from the back, breaking lines of pressure and can also drive forward with it. This is one major reason why he is also comfortable playing in defensive midfield.
Sadly, for the young Italian though, the last couple of seasons has been testing for him due to an ACL injury and subsequent troubles. That said, Scalvini is fit and raring to go for the new season and should the Red Devils end up signing him, he would become an important player for Amorim.
Atalanta want Scalvini to stay
As per the report, Atalanta want more than £50m for the defender and are hoping to tie Scalvini down to a new contract. While the desire to stay in Italy might be tempting for the 21-year-old, he might also not want to turn down the chance to move to a club like Manchester United.
Ruben Amorim’s system of using three center-backs often tend to bring the best out all-round central defenders like Scalvini and he can add a lot of quality. Ultimately, it would come down to the price tag and if Man Utd decide to invest in this position this summer. It remains to be seen how it plays out.