‘Dream signing’ – Newcastle face uphill battle in Giorgio Scalvini pursuit
Newcastle United’s transfer plans have been shattered again by the asking price set for one of Eddie Howe’s top targets.
Howe is already having to deal with Alexander Isak and the striker exploring a move away from the club and not travelling on Newcastle’s pre-season tour.
Newcastle have also lost out to Manchester City on goalkeeper James Trafford and to Liverpool on striker Hugo Ekitike.
The Toon have purchased Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga, who scored his first goal for the club in the pre-season defeat to Arsenal.
Newcastle could be priced out of Scalvini deal
Howe has called Atalanta defender Girgio Scalvini his ‘dream’ signing, but new developments reported by Chronicle Live [July 31] say the Italian will cost around £52million.
Newcastle are said to have to make an “unmarketable offer” to sign the 21-year-old, with Atalanta not looking to sell.
| Apperances | 107 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 5 |
Scalvini has had injury problems during his time at Atalanta with a shoulder injury keeping him sidelined at the end of last season.
The centre-back though has showed bags of potential and already has eight senior Italian caps and has Champions League experience.
Problems stacking up for Howe
Football Insider Verdict
With a striker now the priority for Howe amid recent Isak developments, spending a significant chunk of their transfer budget on Scalvini does not look possible.
At 21, Scalvini would have been welcomed to bring fresh legs into an ageing defence which needs reinforcements.
Like with many transfers he was targeting this summer, Howe may now need to look elsewhere for a centre-back.
Dan Burn, Fabian Schar, Emil Krafth, Kieran Trippier and Jamaal Lascelles are all in their 30s, and with the demands of Champions League football next season additions will be welcomed across the back line.
The Toon have also conceded eight goals in their three pre-season friendlies including a shock 1-0 defeat to a K-League XI.
They will next face Premier rivals Spurs out in Asia in another tricky assignment, which could again expose their defensive vulnerability.
The mood around St James’ Park is not entirely positive right now, with a tricky test to come at Aston Villa on the opening day, there could be question marks aimed at the club around their transfer strategy.