Eddie Howe has chosen his next Newcastle United target after Anthony Elanga and James Trafford

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Newcastle United have reportedly made Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini their top target as Marc Guehi edges closer to his move to Liverpool.

The Magpies are not only looking to improve their attacking options. Eddie Howe wants major changes to his Newcastle United squad this summer and has identified centre-back as an area for improvement.

Marc Guehi was previously Newcastle’s top target at centre-back, but reports suggest he is set to join Liverpool this summer to improve Arne Slot’s options in defence. It was revealed in June that Newcastle were interested in signing Giorgio Scalvini from Atalanta.

The 21-year-old defender has impressed since making his debut for the Serie A side at just 17, but has been struck with injury problems, which saw him limited to just eight league appearances over the 2024/25 campaign.

Scalvini to Newcastle was labelled “one to watch” last month, and after an initial rejection from Atalanta, it looks like Howe is not going down without a fight. A new transfer report has shared how much the Magpies are willing to spend on Scalvini this summer.

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How much Newcastle United are willing to pay for Giorgio Scalvini

Despite his injury problems, Scalvini has made a name for himself in Italy, being widely recognised as one of the most promising young Italian defenders the country has to offer.

Newcastle realise his potential, and are willing to spend well to bring him to Tyneside this summer. According to the Times, Newcastle value Scalvini at £30m due to his injury struggles.

Scalvini’s potential means that he has now been placed at the top of Newcastle’s list of possible new centre-backs to give Howe a better chance of being competitive in next season’s Champions League.

Additionally, the report states that Howe sees Scalvini as a long-term replacement for Dan Burn and Fabian Schar, who are both 33. Despite that, the pair have signed new deals this year, keeping them at the club until at least 2026.

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Newcastle United remain interested in Leonardo Balerdi amid Giorgio Scalvini update

With Newcastle closing in on Anthony Elanga the Magpies could have an £85m double deal done in the next few days. While Newcastle value Scalvini at around £30m, Atalanta may look for much more to allow him the chance to leave Italy for England.

Scalvini is not the only central defender Newcastle are looking at, either. It was reported that Newcastle are monitoring Marseille ace Leonardo Balerdi. The 26-year-old enjoyed a promising season with the Ligue 1 side and is another option the club could explore this summer.

Marseille are not willing sellers of Balerdi, with an executive stating that they would not even accept a bid of over €40m.

Fabrizio Romano said Scalvini was Newcastle’s ‘dream’ signing, and it looks like he will be a more likely option for them this summer if the stars align.