Newcastle 'willing to meet' Marco Palestra demands but face rejection - Report

Newcastle United are one of several clubs who are keen to land Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra.

Inter Milan stormed into the lead in the race for the 21-year-old's signature during the week, but they're not as advanced as first thought.

According to Corriere dello Sport, Atalanta has rejected Inter's offer, which was believed to be €40m plus another €5m in add-ons, but Atalanta are standing firm on their €50m (£43m) valuation.

Talks are reportedly still ongoing, but that bid rejection has left the door open for the English clubs to engage, with Newcastle thought to be ready to pounce.

Palestra has eyes on other options 

The Italian outlet says Newcastle had made 'significant inroads' to making a deal for the young Italy international and have indicated to Atalanta that they would be willing to meet their demands.

However, Corriere dello Sport claims that Palestra would favour a move to Inter Milan or Manchester City over Newcastle. 

Palestra sees Newcastle as a 'lower profile' club than he'd want. Sadly, our failure to bag European football for the 2026/27 season doesn't help that point.

Why is Newcastle wasting time?

It looks then that Marco Palestra won't become a Newcastle United player even if Ross Wilson gives Atalanta exactly what they're asking for.

Palestra is very highly-rated and is likely to be able to have his pick of where to move next, and it seems that he's already crossed Newcastle off his list.

Hopefully Newcastle doesn't waste too much time chasing this dead end and we move on to other, more feasible targets. We've been caught out doing this too many times in the past, and we can't afford not to have learned from those mistakes.