Newcastle United switch defensive targets – as deal for forward is now close

Newcastle United have intensified their efforts to bolster both their immediate first-team options and long-term squad development with serious interest in Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini and Suwon Bluewings’ Park Seung-soo.

The Magpies’ recruitment team are working on multiple fronts to strengthen Eddie Howe’s squad ahead of their pre-season tour of Asia, with defensive reinforcements and emerging attacking talent high on their agenda.

The pursuit of 21-year-old Italian international Scalvini has gained significant momentum in recent weeks as Newcastle’s search for a right-sided center-back takes shape.

With Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi seemingly destined for Liverpool and the Eagles targeting Sporting’s Ousmane Diomande as his replacement, Newcastle have identified the Atalanta defender as an ideal alternative.

Despite injury setbacks that limited him to just eight appearances last season – including an ACL rupture followed by shoulder problems – Scalvini’s potential remains undimmed in the eyes of Newcastle’s scouts.

The ball-playing defender, who has already collected eight senior caps for Italy alongside compatriot Sandro Tonali, fits Newcastle’s profile for young, technically gifted players capable of growing into Premier League stars.

His versatility to operate in both back-three and back-four systems adds tactical flexibility, while his Europa League triumph with Atalanta in 2024 demonstrates his ability to perform at the highest level.

Newcastle’s medical team have reportedly conducted thorough due diligence on his fitness history and believe any risks can be effectively managed, mirroring their successful acquisition of Tino Livramento following his own ACL recovery.

While no formal bid has yet been submitted, Italian sources suggest Atalanta could be persuaded to sell if Newcastle present an attractive package for a player who has openly expressed admiration for English football.

“The Premier League is the best there is for intensity,” Scalvini recently remarked. “I’d love to play there at some point in my career.” This openness to a move, combined with Atalanta’s Champions League qualification potentially making them more receptive to sales, creates an encouraging environment for negotiations.

Simultaneously, Newcastle are closing in on an agreement for 18-year-old South Korean forward Park Seung-soo from K League 2 side Suwon Bluewings.

The teenage attacker, who can operate centrally or on the left flank, represents another strategic addition to the club’s growing stable of global young talent following the captures of Antonio Cordero and Vakhtang Salia earlier this summer.

Park’s pedigree includes trials with Bayern Munich and five appearances for South Korea’s U20 national team, marking him as one of Asia’s most promising prospects.

While Wolves have previously shown interest, Newcastle appear poised to secure his signature in a deal that would ideally be finalized before their pre-season matches against a K-League All Stars XI and Tottenham in Seoul. Like Cordero, Park is expected to be loaned out initially as part of the club’s carefully managed development pathway for young signings.

Between these two potential arrivals lies Newcastle’s ongoing pursuit of Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford. The long-standing interest appears set to reach fruition following Burnley’s £4.2 million acquisition of Karlsruher’s Max Weiss, which effectively clears the path for Trafford’s departure.

Although Burnley continue to hold out for £40 million, negotiations are expected to yield a compromise involving a lower initial fee with achievable add-ons.

This multi-pronged recruitment strategy demonstrates Newcastle’s balanced approach to squad building under their current ownership. The potential signing of Scalvini would address an immediate first-team need while offering long-term upside, whereas Park’s acquisition continues the club’s successful model of identifying and developing young talent from emerging markets.

Trafford’s prospective arrival would complete the goalkeeping succession plan, providing competition for Nick Pope while being groomed as his eventual successor.

As Newcastle prepare for their Asian tour, the timing of these moves carries additional significance. Finalizing Park’s transfer before facing the K-League All Stars would create a marketing opportunity in a commercially important region, while having Scalvini and Trafford in place before pre-season begins would allow maximum integration time ahead of the Premier League opener.

The coming weeks will reveal whether Newcastle can convert this ambitious recruitment blueprint into completed transfers.

Success would not only strengthen Howe’s options for the upcoming campaign but further demonstrate the club’s growing pull in the global transfer market – capable of attracting established internationals like Scalvini while simultaneously securing some of world football’s most exciting young prospects.