‘Newcastle identify Marc Guehi alternative but have one major worry’
Newcastle United have identified an alternative target to Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi, although they do have one major worry over the move.
The Magpies have been heavily linked with a move for the 24-year-old, including several attempts to sign the defender last summer.
The Toon made three bids, including a £60million offer, but Palace rejected all of them as they held to their £70m valuation.
Guehi’s performances have seen him earn 23 England caps and he helped Palace win the FA Cup back in May, but he has only one year remaining on his current contract at the club.
He has been at Palace for four years after signing for the club in 2021 from Chelsea.
Howe targets Italian talent
The Daily Telegraph’s Luke Edwards reports that Eddie Howe is lining up an alternative defender, although interest in Guehi still remains.
Posting on X (23 June), Edwards reported that Newcastle like Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini.
However, Scalvini has had his injury problems including an ACL tear and a shoulder injury which forced him to miss a significant chunk of last season.
Edwards also says that transfers may happen this week “with clubs in PSR strife needing to deal”.
He states that a move for Burnley goalkeeper James Trafford and Brighton striker Joao Pedro are also still on the table.
Scalvoni potential outweighs injury concerns
Football Insider verdict
With clubs like Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham reportedly all interested in signing Guehi, it is no surprise that Howe is lining up an alternative option as back up.
Scalvini is only 21 years old and has already earned eight caps for the Italian national team.
He has already played over 100 times for Atalanta, but injuries limited his playing time last season.
| Appearances | 107 |
| Goals | 5 |
| Assists | 5 |
Scalvini would need a full pre-season and a steady integration into the Newcastle team next season, so his injuries do not reoccur.
However, his potential is unquestionable and with Dan Burn, Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles in their 30s, Howe needs younger and more mobile options in defence.
With Champions League football increasing their workload next season, the Magpies will be battling on four fronts.
Howe may need to act now for Scalvoni, otherwise if he stays at Atalanta and returns to top form, many clubs in January may be after him.