More big claims have emerged on the transfer front, this time covering Newcastle United’s ongoing attempts to land a new centre-back.
In a Friday lunchtime ‘exclusive’ from The Times‘ Martin Hardy, it’s reported that Newcastle will turn to Atalanta star Giorgio Scalvini next after closing in on deals for Anthony Elanga and James Trafford.
Hardy reports that Eddie Howe is a huge fan of the 21-year-old defender and has identified the Italian as our top centre-back target now a move for Marc Guehi appears to be off the table.
The Italy international, who recently recovered from a serious ACL injury, is considered a player of massive potential and it seems the club will soon test Atalanta’s resolve to keep him.
Elsewhere, The Times report that our £55m bid for Anthony Elanga has been accepted by Nottingham Forest and that personal terms will not be an issue, suggesting that deal is rapidly moving close to completion.
As for James Trafford, the Burnley stopper could quickly take our spending to £85m, with Hardy revealing that a £30m agreement is now close, leaving the club increasingly confident of landing the goalkeeper and Swedish winger ahead of our return to pre-season training next week.
Scalvini is described as ‘£30m-rated’ priority in the piece, but we suspect it will take more than that to tempt the Serie A side into a sale, even if ACL and shoulder injuries limited him to just eight appearances last season.
🔺 EXCLUSIVE: The Italy defender, Giorgio Scalvini, is a top target for Newcastle United as they look to strengthen in central defence for their return to the Champions League
Read the full story by @mhardysport ⬇️https://t.co/DktlZ2ASOk
— Times Sport (@TimesSport) July 4, 2025
Also, Antonio Silva – Benfica and Ousmane Diomande – Sporting
Any one of these three will make me happy
PremAndUp(Quote)
If the reports our true and Elanga + Trafford are basically done, with Scalvini on the radar it’s shaping up to be decent transfer window.
Is Scalvini one of the two mystery transfers that was mentioned earlier in the week?
Johnny Mac(Quote)
Oh, and Xavi Simons to round it out
PremAndUp(Quote)
Apparently he’s said he doesn’t want to live in North East England, and I also understand there’s some question marks over his attitude. Sadly, it looks like that one’s not likely to happen.
Ian(Quote)
Isn’t doimande off to palace?? Simons .. nope
GR(Quote)
Nothing confirmed yet
PremAndUp(Quote)
From what I’ve seen of him he looks a very good player, and a very good long term replacement for Schar which is exactly what we need. It’d be lovely if £30m was all it took, but as you rightly say, it seems unlikely. If we’re confident he’s over his injury issues then I think he’d be a solid signing even if he costs a few (million) quid more.
Ian(Quote)
I rate this kid highly – Prem you’ve been mentioning this lad for 2 or 3 seasons now.
My only concern is he’s had a few naughty injuries already, but if we could keep him & Botman fit that would be one hell if a pairing.
If we are going for an ACM then we’d be mad to look past McAtee imo.
If we get Elanga are we happy we have enough up front or would we still want back up for Isak??.
We’d have Osula, Gordon, Barnes, Elanga – don’t think I’ve missed anyone 🤷🏼♂️.
Would they go with DCL on a free? – wouldn’t be my choice but maybe he’s all we need to give Osula time to develop a little more 🤷🏼♂️.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Would be over the moon if we got Scalvini, quality player.
Liam(Quote)
Murphy
Fitchy(Quote)
Just get them in we’re desperate lol…Elanga and Trafford.. Giorgio Scalvini wud be a bonus
Fitchy(Quote)
Fitchy – I rate Murphy highly, I’m a big fan – just doesn’t see him as someone who could provide cover at CF – I’m not suggesting it’s a nature fit for the rest on that list, but I think Murph would be right out his comfort zone – he could play the wings while the others played up top for sure and RWB no hassle – just not sure on CF.
The other name was Neave but think it’s early days for him. Kuol should be an option but not sure he’s kicked on as they’d hoped.
Sharpy17(Quote)
If things do move quickly and positively with incomings, I would sacrifice one player to allow buying for the four positions positions that need strengthening. Barnes or Willock, but not both. Despite the praise for Barnes late season, I believe Gordon is way more important to us in the longer run.
I’d still like us to keep Longstaff.
Anyway, let’s hope re- signings!
Adam(Quote)
Sell Willock keep Barnes – Barnes scores goals and can change games from the bench.
Sharpy17(Quote)
Nobody has mentioned Simmons and it’s total media b/s that he don’t want to live up north
Scalvini looks great but had a lot of injuries ..silva or diomonde good choices
Hopefully all the whining will stop now and click bait about transfers ..we could buy from July 1st and it’s only the 4th and two look imminent 🙈🥴
Mike(Quote)