Newcastle now consider approach to sign “interesting” Scalvini alternative

Amid all the chaos surrounding their search for a striker, Newcastle United are now reportedly considering an approach to sign a Serie A defender as an alternative option to Giorigio Scalvini.

Newcastle still eyeing defensive targets

Whilst their biggest priority seems to be signing a striker this summer, even if it’s not Hugo Ekitike who arrives, Newcastle also still have their sights set on a defensive reinforcement. The Magpies once again lacked much-needed depth within their backline at times last season, forcing Dan Burn to step into the centre-back role. But with their PSR concerns eased this time around, they must finally address their central defender problem.

On that front, Eddie Howe’s biggest concern should be Sven Botman. As talented as the Dutchman is, he completed just eight Premier League appearances last season and battled with consistent injury struggles for a second consecutive campaign.

Simply put, if Newcastle are going to compete on all fronts, then they may need a viable replacement for the 25-year-old if he faces the same problems next season.

Missing a total of 59 games in the last two seasons, Botman has gone from a crucial player to an unreliable option for Howe in frustrating circumstances and links to the likes of Scalvini suggest that Newcastle are well aware of that.

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He would be an excellent Ekitike alternative.

The Atalanta star – still just 21 years old – has reportedly found himself on Newcastle’s radar as they look to welcome a key reinforcement this summer. His name isn’t the only one on the list, however. Alongside him, the Magpies have also reportedly set their sights on another Serie A defender as an alternative option.

Newcastle also considering Savona approach

According to Sky Sports, Newcastle are now considering an approach to sign Nicolo Savona from Juventus this summer. The Italian has plenty of versatility, given that he can play right-back, right-midfield and at centre-back, and would instantly offer Howe crucial competition for a number of roles in his side.

Whilst the numbers suggest that Scalvini is the standout option, it is worth noting that the Atalanta man played far fewer minutes than Savona due to injury struggles and, therefore, had less data to base those numbers on. Nonetheless, with the minutes that he did receive, he impressed.

Whether Newcastle value those numbers over the value of recent minutes is the big question. Described as “very interesting” by scout Jacek Kulig last season, Savona is someone that could be ready to step into Newcastle’s backline if needed. The same may not be able to be said for Scalvini, who is just returning to full fitness after a lengthy absence.

Given that Newcastle already have one injury-prone defender in the form of Botman too, welcoming another player who spent large parts of last season sidelined would be an incredible risk.