‘Indeed…’ – Luke Edwards says Newcastle now eyeing move for ‘one of the best young players in the world’

Newcastle United have set their sights on Atalanta’s highly-rated center-back Giorgio Scalvini as Eddie Howe looks to strengthen his defensive options ahead of their Champions League campaign.

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards reports that the Magpies are monitoring the 21-year-old Italian international, who has been hailed as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders despite recent injury setbacks.

Scalvini’s potential availability comes during a period of transition for Atalanta, who recently appointed Ivan Jurić as their new manager following Gian Piero Gasperini’s departure.

This coaching change has sparked speculation about several key players at the Gewiss Stadium, with Newcastle identifying the versatile defender as an ideal candidate to bolster their backline.

Standing at 6’4″, Scalvini offers the physical presence and technical quality that Howe values in his defenders, along with the rare ability to slot into midfield when required.

The Italian’s recent injury history presents both a concern and an opportunity for Newcastle. Scalvini has been sidelined since January with a shoulder problem, having only recently returned from a serious knee injury that limited him to just eight appearances last season.

While these fitness issues have temporarily stalled Newcastle’s pursuit, they may also make Atalanta more open to negotiations for a player whose market value has dipped due to his time on the treatment table.

Newcastle’s defensive reinforcements have become a priority after navigating much of last season with a patched-up backline.

Captain Jamaal Lascelles and Dutch international Sven Botman both struggled with persistent injuries, while veterans Fabian Schär (32) and Dan Burn (31) require long-term successors.

Scalvini’s profile as a right-footed center-back makes him particularly appealing, offering balance alongside Botman while providing the athleticism and ball-playing ability Howe’s system demands.

Despite his limited minutes last campaign, Scalvini’s underlying statistics when fit demonstrate his defensive intelligence.

Averaging 1.3 tackles, 1.1 clearances, and 0.7 interceptions per game in his eight appearances, the young defender reads the game beyond his years.

His comfort in possession and ability to progress the ball – honed in Gasperini’s progressive system – would translate well to Newcastle’s style of play.

The Magpies face competition for Scalvini’s signature, with several top European clubs monitoring his situation.

However, Newcastle’s Champions League qualification and ambitious project under Saudi ownership make them serious contenders should Atalanta decide to sell.

Any potential deal would likely require a fee in the region of €40-50 million, representing a significant investment in a player with recent injury concerns but enormous upside.

Newcastle’s recruitment team are pursuing multiple targets simultaneously, with Brighton’s João Pedro emerging as their primary attacking objective and Burnley’s James Trafford their preferred goalkeeping addition.

Scalvini’s potential acquisition would complete a strategic summer spending plan focused on securing young, high-ceiling talents who can grow with the club’s ambitions.

As preseason preparations loom, Newcastle’s hierarchy must weigh the risks and rewards of pursuing Scalvini against alternative defensive targets.

His injury history demands thorough medical evaluation, but his pedigree as an Italy international and proven performer in Serie A suggests he could be worth the gamble.

With Atalanta undergoing managerial transition and Newcastle armed with Champions League revenue, the coming weeks could prove decisive in determining whether this promising defender will be plying his trade on Tyneside next season.