Exclusive: Newcastle could look to sign ‘outstanding’ centre-back and his teammate

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Newcastle United’s search for a Sven Botman replacement could take them to Italy.

That is according to HITC Football insider Graeme Bailey, who has spoke to Geordie Boot Boys about the Magpies’ plans to sign a centre-back following the injury to Sven Botman.

He has stated that Newcastle United’s transfer plans are not going to massively change following the Botman blow, with the club already intending to sign a centre-back before it was confirmed that the 24-year-old could be absent for up to nine months.

Their need for a central defender has now been heightened, and Bailey has suggested that scouting trips to Italy could point towards Newcastle United targeting one of the brightest prospects in European football.

Giorgio Scalvini to Newcastle is ‘one to keep an eye on’

Bailey has told Geordie Boot Boys that he expects Giorgio Scalvini to be on Newcastle’s transfer radar this summer.

“Newcastle do spend a lot of time watching Atalanta, so I think Scalvini will be on the list,” he said.

“They’ve looked at him quite a bit – Manchester United like him too. Outstanding young player, and they’re obviously watching Ederson there so they’ve seen a lot of him because they’ve been watching Atalanta quite a lot.

“He’ll be one to keep an eye on.”

Scalvini looks ideal for Newcastle

The 20-year-old looks ideally suited to Newcastle. The fact he is so young has to be very appealing, as he could end up being a starting centre-back for at least the next 10 years.

Despite his age, Scalvini has a lot of experience. He has played nearly 100 times for Atalanta, while he is also a full Italy international. He won his eighth cap on Thursday night, as Italy beat Venezuela 2-1 in a friendly.

Scalvini’s height is also a great asset, and could give Newcastle extra protection from set pieces. He stands at 6ft 4in tall, which makes him slightly bigger than Fabian Schar. The Swiss defender is 6ft 1in.

Newcastle also looking at his Atalanta teammate Ederson

As Bailey says, Newcastle have seen a lot of Scalvini given how many times they have scouted his teammate Ederson.

The Brazilian was a target for Newcastle United during the January transfer window, as Eddie Howe eyed midfield reinforcements.

Ederson is expected to be on the Magpies’ radar again, with a recent story claiming that Newcastle are the favourites to secure his signature.

He is believed to be similar in style to Bruno Guimaraes, which could make him a brilliant signing at St James’ Park. And there is a chance that he could be joined by Scalvini, as Newcastle eye up two players from Atalanta.