Giorgio Scalvini still a €45m target for Newcastle United - Report

Last summer, Newcastle United were constantly linked with a move for Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini.

Things never really progressed beyond the rumour stage as Atalanta didn't want to sell their young star, but Newcastle's interest didn't really go away, and rumours resurfaced last month.

However, 12 months on and Atalanta are being forced to sell to balance the books, and Scalvini has been identified as a player they can afford to lose at the right price.

According to a report from Tutto Atalanta, Newcastle remain interested in the 22-year-old.

Giorgio Scalvini remains a target for Newcastle

Tutto Atalanta claims that the club would take €45 million (£38 million) for Scalvini, with Newcastle 'at the forefront' in the race for the Italian.

Scalvini managed three goals and an assist for Atalanta last season in 30 appearances in all competitions after missing several games early in the season through injury.

Newcastle were the only club mentioned in the report by name, which is encouraging should Newcastle hold a genuine interest.

Is a centre-back a priority?

However, we're not convinced that a centre-back is high on Newcastle's list of priorities right now, and especially not one at the top end of their £20m-£40m bracket they seem to be focused on this summer.

Malick Thiaw and Sven Botman will likely be the first-choice pairing this season, with Fabian Schar and Dan Burn to back them up. While the backups are getting on in years, we don't expect them to be involved a great deal going forward, provided the first-choice pair can stay fit.

It would be good to have another younger option, for sure, but other positions need attention first.

Rumour Rating: 5/10 - Newcastle do like Scalvini, but the timing doesn't make sense right now. Also, the report is coming from Italy, from an outlet closely associated with Atalanta, so pinches of salt all round.