Michael Carrick
Manchester United have sent scouts to watch Atalanta star Giorgio Scalvini ahead of a potential summer transfer, according to The Telegraph.
The Red Devils have been prioritising a midfield rebuild so far in this transfer window, bringing in Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans for a combined fee of £85m, while young winger Tynan Thompson has joined from Tottenham for a total of £8m and veteran goalkeeper Karl Darlow arrived from Leeds on a free transfer.
The club have been looking closely at the market for a third midfielder signing, but the club are also keen on a left-back and potentially a forward too, which has seen them taking a look at a number of different options.
Man Utd Scouts Watch Scalvini
Giorgio Scalvini
One of the players being looked at is understood to be Atalanta star Giorgio Scalvini, with the club having sent scouts to watch the 22-year-old defender.
Scalvini, who has been described as 'elite', has been considered as one of the top defensive prospects in Europe, and has recently overcome some serious injury problems to return to top form.
The Italian is capable of playing at centre-back, left-back or even in defensive midfield, and that versatility is something that is appealing to the Red Devils hierarchy as they consider where the allocate the remaining funds of their budget for the window.
It was previously anticipated that a third midfielder would arrive this summer, with a number of targets including Real Madrid star Aurelien Tchouameni linked to Old Trafford.
However, Mason Mount's pre-season performances in a deeper midfield role and the valuation of midfield targets in this window mean they are now considering abandoning their hunt for a new midfielder and instead strengthening in other positions, such as defence.
Scalvini Could Solve Multiple Issues
Giorgio Scalvini in action for Atalanta
Man Utd know that the midfield should be a priority, but they also have other holes in their squad that will need addressing sooner rather than later.
Left-back in particular is an issue with Carrick viewing Patrick Dorgu as an option further up the pitch, while Luke Shaw won't be able to play every game with a more intense schedule after qualifying for the Champions League. But with centre-back also an area that has question marks, Scalvini's versatility would really help solve a number of issues in one hit.
A deal is unlikely to be cheap, and there will no doubt be competition for his signature if he is available, but it's clear that Man Utd are now considering pivoting their strategy for the final weeks of the window.