Newcastle to miss out on Marco Palestra as Inter Milan move in - Fabrizio Romano

Newcastle United's reported pursuit of Atalanta's Marco Palestra is looking more difficult by the minute.

The Magpies had reportedly identified the Italian as a top target for their right-back position, although Luke Edwards moved to pour some cold water on those rumours on Wednesday morning.

While the interest is definitely there, Newcastle are yet to make a move for the 21-year-old, which apparently can't be said for Inter Milan.

Fabrizio Romano claims that the Italian side are eyeing Palestra as a replacement for Real Madrid-bound Denzel Dumfries.

Inter Milan look most likely to land Marco Palestra

The Italian journalist reports that Dumfries' move to Real Madrid is wrapped up after they activated his release clause, and claims Inter are now pushing to secure Palestra as his replacement. 

Inter has already made a bid for Palestra of around €40 million, which was rebuffed by Atalanta, who want €50m (£43m)

"Inter will now push to advance on Marco Palestra deal after selling Denzel Dumfries to Real Madrid. Premier League clubs also keen so open race, Atalanta to start negotiating at €50m initial price tag. €40m discussed with Inter, not enough."

Where would Palestra fit in?

The fact that Palestra is rated at £43 million by Atalanta puts some big question marks over Newcastle's interest for us.

While the Magpies need a new right-back after the departures of Kieran Trippier and Emil Krafth, would they be looking at someone who is effectively replacing Tino Livramento? We understand that it is ideal to have two top players for each position, but with no European football and therefore fewer games next season, are either Livramento or Palestra going to be happy with a reduced role? Unlikely.

It definitely feels like Palestra is an 'in an ideal world' type of target, but not one that we're realistically going to pursue ... unless they plan to sell Tino Livramento, which would be a huge mistake given the lack of backup at the club.

Rumour Rating: 4/10 - This rating is taking a battering today, but the more we look at it, the less sense it makes. And now Inter has a real incentive to meet Atalanta's demands.