Newcastle United did not sign a new central defender this summer.
With Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles out for the foreseeable future, Newcastle looked to bring in another option there but just couldn’t get a deal over the line.
Indeed, the club saw multiple bids for England defender Marc Guehi rejected by Crystal Palace and ended up with nothing, underlining what an underwhelming transfer window they endured.
Luckily, it doesn’t appear to have had too much of an impact just yet.
Indeed, Dan Burn has impressed alongside Fabian Schar in central defence and only two Premier League teams have conceded fewer goals than Eddie Howe’s side so far this season (11).
Botman and Lascelles will of course return at some point too, though that doesn’t mean the club aren’t on the lookout for fresh signings.
In fact, the player in question has been described as being “destined for greatness” by Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini.
Newcastle continue to track Giorgio Scalvini
The Italy international has previously been linked with a move to St James’ Park and it seems the interest remains.
According to The Chronicle, Newcastle remain keen on the 20-year-old central defender, while Tottenham and Manchester United could offer rival interest.
It, however, is also said that none of the interested parties have yet made a move.
When Newcastle fans can expect Sven Botman to return amid centre-back links
Botman is understood to be in line to return from his lengthy layoff towards the end of December, if not in early January.
With that in mind, it’s hard to imagine the club going out and spending big on a defender in January. If they didn’t in the summer, why do it mid-season just as Botman is set to return?
Having said all that, Scalvini looks a much more logical target for the summer.
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