‘Newcastle identify dream signing as Eddie Howe’s transfer priority is revealed’
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has revealed his ideal signing he would love to make this summer.
Howe is looking to strengthen his squad ahead of a return to Champions League football next season after a fifth placed finish in the Premier League last campaign.
The Toon have yet to seal a major signing so far despite interest in James Trafford, Anthony Elanga and Joao Pedro, who is now on the verge of joining Chelsea.
Alexander Isak is still a Newcastle player despite interest from Liverpool, and the club are set to offer the striker a new contract to keep him on Tyneside.
Scalvini lined up as Howe’s top target
Chronicle Live report that Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini is a top target for the Toon this summer.
The 21-year-old, who has earned eight Italian caps, is believed to be a signing for the future with Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascaelles both in their 30s.
Chronicle Live said: “Eddie Howe is keen on finding another right-sided centre-back and it will preferably be somebody younger.”
Scalvini though does have a torrid injury record which includes an ACL tear and a shoulder injury which forced him to miss most of last season, making only eight appearances for Atalanta in all competitions.
Howe needs more than one dream signing
Football Insider verdict
Newcastle could be set to become one of the busiest teams in this transfer window.
Scalvini would be a welcome first addition as Howe needs to address the ageing nature of his defence, with Dan Burn and Emil Krafth also defenders in their 30s.
Howe would not need to rush Scalvini back after his ACL injury, with the Italian a signing for the future.
| Appearances | 89 |
| Goals | 4 |
| Assists | 4 |
At 21, Scalvini has the time to develop into a first choice centre-back at Newcastle and with the club competing on all four fronts next season he will get chances to prove his worth.
European clubs could come in for Scalvini in January if Newcastle don’t act in this transfer window and he continues to impress at Atalanta.
Howe also needs to act quickly if he is to acquire any of his other top targets having seemingly missed out on Pedro to rivals Chelsea.
Negotiations need to be had with Burnley over Trafford, with the two club’s disagreeing on their valuation of the player.
Bids for Elanga have also been unsuccessful so far and Howe may look to return with another offer.