Newcastle United set to capitalise on club's financial worries and sign star defender: report

Giorgio Scalvini
Atalanta centre back Giorgio Scalvini in action for Italy (Image credit: Getty Images)

Newcastle United are closing in on the signing of Atalanta and Italy centre back Giorgio Scalvini, according to reports.

The Magpies have repeatedly been linked with the 22-year-old defender, who has made almost 150 appearances for the Serie A club and won eight caps for his country.

Atalanta have held firm over Scalvini, but the Bergamo-based outfit's financial position has changed this summer - and Newcastle are ready to capitalise.

Why Newcastle finally look set to seal Giorgio Scalvini signing

Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta BC battles for possession with Davide Frattesi and Luca D'Andrea of US Sassuolo during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and US Sassuolo at Gewiss Stadium on October 15, 2022 in Bergamo, Italy.

Scalvini has been a regular for Atalanta since he was 17 years old (Image credit: Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)

Scalvini doesn't turn 23 until December but has already gained vast experience at the top level, playing in Serie A, the Champions League and on the international stage.

His performances caught the attention of Newcastle and they have reportedly tracked him for some time, however Atalanta have consistently said he is not for sale.

The Magpies finally appear to have made a breakthrough, though, with French journalist Sebastien Vidal claiming the Premier League club are in "pole position" to sign Scalvini in a €45m (£38m) deal.

Vidal adds that Atalanta could accept a sale to "rebalance its finances" after missing out on Champions League qualification for the first time in three seasons.

La Dea finished seventh in Serie A last term, their lowest position since 2021/22, and will compete in the Conference League next term.

Atalanta would have banked €18.62m (£15.9m) just for reaching the league phase of the Champions League, with every league phase win worth a further €2.1m, and that is before taking TV money into account.

Losing out on that cash appears to have changed the club's stance on Scalvini and Newcastle have taken advantage as they look to bolster their options at the heart of defence.

Eddie Howe in the dugout for Newcastle United vs Sunderland

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has reportedly tried to sign Scalvini before (Image credit: Getty Images)

Head coach Eddie Howe can call on Sven Botman, Malick Thiaw, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn at centre back, however the latter two players are both 34 years old.

Newcastle have already made four signings this summer, bringing in winger Bazoumana Toure from Hoffenheim, midfielders Aladji Bamba and Sean Steur from Monaco and Ajax respectively, and goalkeeper Ewen Jaouen from Stade Reims for a combined £110m.

However, they have sold winger Anthony Gordon and midfielder Sandro Tonali to Barcelona and Tottenham Hotspur respectively, while captain Bruno Guimaraes has been heavily linked with a move to Arsenal.

Freelance writer

James Roberts is a freelance sports journalist working for FourFourTwo and other titles. He started his career at the Oxford Mail, where he covered Oxford United home and away, before becoming a sports sub-editor for various national newspapers.

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