Sky Italy: Newcastle in talks to sign versatile defender after contacting agent and club

It’s fair to say that the recent pursuit of Hugo Ekitike shows that Newcastle United will happily turn to top talent on the continent if the right player is out there.

Fans have been crying out for the club to avoid paying Premier League premium prices for players, and it looks like we're exploring these European options after missing out on a number of domestic targets.

Serie A is a division we continue to scour after a move for Sandro Tonali and ongoing interest in Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta, with another Italian talent now emerging as a new defensive option...

Toon in contact over Juve talent?

According to Sky Italy's Gianluca Di Marzio, Newcastle are now exploring a deal to sign Juventus' Nicolò Savona.

Sky's North East reporter Keith Downie revealed our admiration for the 22-year-old in an exclusive last night, now his colleague in Italy has gone one step further.

Di Marzio claims we’ve already initiated talks with both the player and his agent over a potential move from Turin to Tyneside.

He reports that Juventus are keen to kickstart their own transfer activity and face selling a number of stars to raise funds, although negotiations over a deal are still in the early stages.

The 6ft 4' Italian made 28 appearances for the Old Lady in Serie A last season, and while most of those came at right-back, it's believed the versatile defender is best suited as a right-sided centre-back.

Savona's versatility adds to appeal

Savona's ability to play at centre-back and, based on his Juve career, in both full-back roles, is something that will appeal to Eddie Howe.

The boss has developed a habit of pursuing versatile and tactically flexible players, and Savona's ability to play at right-back in particular could be helpful.

First and foremost, we need a centre-back able to step into Fabian Schar's boots soon enough, but our back-up right-back Kieran Trippier turns 35 in two months time and is likely to be entering his last season on Tyneside.

Depth at left-back is also weak beyond Lewis Hall, which may add to Savona's appeal if we really are stepping up our interest in a deal.