Newcastle identify Marco Palestra as 'prime target' - Report

One of Ross Wilson's biggest priorities this summer will be to find a new right-back for Newcastle United to replace the departed Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth.

Eddie Howe is now left with just Tino Livramento as a recognised right-back for next season, which puts that position high on the summer transfer priority list for the Magpies.

That said, it's no guarantee even Livramento stays, with Man City and Arsenal both regularly linked with the England international. 

Lewis Miley has covered at right back a few times recently, but his injury record hasn't been great, and depth will be needed following Trippier and Krafth's departures.

Newcastle have identified Marco Palestra as an ideal signing

Newcastle are already on the hunt for a right-back, and The Mail is reporting that they have Atalanta's Marco Palestra in their sights.

The 21-year-old, who spent last season on loan at Cagliari, has impressed to the point where Atalanta have been 'inundated' with enquiries.

The report states that Man City, Arsenal and Inter Milan are all admirers of the Italian, which is no surprise given the Premier League duo are in the market for a right-back.

Palestra is apparently aware of the growing interest, and in a recent interview while with the Italy squad, he confirmed that he is ready to progress his career.

"I’ve always felt ready. I want to thank Cagliari and the coach Pisacane for my first season as a starter in Serie A.

“Now I’m focused on these two games and starting over with Italy. For next season, I hope to grow and improve even more, to fight for even higher goals."

Competition for Palestra will be fierce

The fact that there is rival interest from the Premier League and Serie A will make things difficult for Newcastle.

Once again, it looks like Newcastle are fishing in the same pool as Champions League clubs, but we don't have the right bait.

On the flip side, given his age and relative inexperience, Palestra may feel he'd be better served going to Newcastle as the competition for a place may not be as fierce. Or we're just clutching at straws.

Rumour Rating: 7/10 - We're inclined to believe there's a good chance that Newcastle are keen on Palestra, who ticks several boxes should Tino depart. The competition makes it a difficult one to pull off, though.