It’s fair to say that the recent pursuit of Hugo Ekitike shows that Newcastle United will happily turn to top talent on the continent if the right player is out there.
Fans have been crying out for the club to avoid paying Premier League premium prices for players, and it looks like we’re exploring these European options after missing out on a number of domestic targets.
Serie A is a division we continue to scour after a move for Sandro Tonali and ongoing interest in Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta, with another Italian talent now emerging as a new defensive option…
Toon in contact over Juve talent?
According to Sky Italy’s Gianluca Di Marzio, Newcastle are now exploring a deal to sign Juventus’ Nicolò Savona.
Sky’s North East reporter Keith Downie revealed our admiration for the 22-year-old in an exclusive last night, now his colleague in Italy has gone one step further.
Di Marzio claims we’ve already initiated talks with both the player and his agent over a potential move from Turin to Tyneside.
He reports that Juventus are keen to kickstart their own transfer activity and face selling a number of stars to raise funds, although negotiations over a deal are still in the early stages.
The 6ft 4′ Italian made 28 appearances for the Old Lady in Serie A last season, and while most of those came at right-back, it’s believed the versatile defender is best suited as a right-sided centre-back.
Savona’s versatility adds to appeal
Savona’s ability to play at centre-back and, based on his Juve career, in both full-back roles, is something that will appeal to Eddie Howe.
The boss has developed a habit of pursuing versatile and tactically flexible players, and Savona’s ability to play at right-back in particular could be helpful.
First and foremost, we need a centre-back able to step into Fabian Schar’s boots soon enough, but our back-up right-back Kieran Trippier turns 35 in two months time and is likely to be entering his last season on Tyneside.
Depth at left-back is also weak beyond Lewis Hall, which may add to Savona’s appeal if we really are stepping up our interest in a deal.
I can’t see us signing this lad as he has a ankle injury atm
Absolutely glorious(Quote)
Curious about the “depth at left back is weak after hall” statement.
In an article where you acknowledge Howe’s admiration of adaptable players and with livramento in the squad, that’s a howler
Jonesy(Quote)
Add Burn and Trips to that list of LB cover oh and Alex Murphy
Absolutely glorious(Quote)
I dont think its “a howler”. I think what the writer is saying is that with Trippier 35, Tino is naturally his successor, if he isnt already first choice. That leaves Hall on the left and yes Tino is excellent cover, but to cover he moves from the right. I believe thats what was meant. So yes I think we are very weak on the left if we consider Tino to be on the right?
SteveM(Quote)
Left side of the defence, we have Botman and Hall with Burn as cover.
Right side we have Schar and Livromento with Tripps and Krafth as cover.
Hopefully, youth coming through, but not started in the EPL yet.
So effectively, we have our starting back four with Burn and Krafth as cover once Tripps is gone
PremAndUp(Quote)
Cover at left back
Hall
Livramento
Burn
Targett
Trippier
Murphy
Changing formation to 3 at back
Alex(Quote)