Manchester United are nearing a £44million deal for highly-rated Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini, according to reports. Erik ten Hag is plotting a defensive shake-up at Old Trafford this year, and the talented youngster looks to have emerged on his transfer radar.
United face a storm of centre-back uncertainty heading into 2024, likely to be addressed in the next two transfer windows.
The Red Devils didn’t trigger the 12-month extension in Raphael Varane’s current deal, leaving him free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs this month.
Jonny Evans is also out of contract in the summer, and there is a feeling United triggered Victor Lindelof’s 12-month extension to retain value for a sale.
Ten Hag could target two new centre-backs if at least a pair depart Old Trafford in the coming months, and Scalvini is reportedly one of them.
According to French publication Les Bons Conceil Du Sports, United are in advanced negotiations with Atalanta over the signing of Scalvini.
The M16 giants are said to be ready to activate the 20-year-old sensation’s £44m release clause after monitoring his development over an extended period.
Click here to join our WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive Man Utd news.
Scalvini has been linked with Serie A giants AC Milan, Juventus and Inter Milan in Italian media.
According to reports in Spain, his reputation as one of Europe’s top young centre-backs is also strongly admired by Real Madrid.
Chelsea have also reportedly registered an interest in Scalvini’s services. However, United may have pipped the competition to the post.
The towering 6ft 4in defender has already established himself as an important player for club and country, playing 20 times for Atalanta this season, 16 in Serie A and four in the Europa League.
Scalvini has made 75 appearances since his debut as a 17-year-old in October 2021 and already boasts seven international caps.
He represented Italy from the U15s to U19s before Roberto Mancini handed him his senior bow in a 5-2 defeat against Germany in June 2022.
United aren’t short of centre-back options. They have also been linked to Jean-Clair Todibo, Antonio Silva, Goncalo Inacio and Jarrad Branthwaite, among others.
But Scalvini has the potential to develop into one of the world’s best centre-backs over the coming decade. The heavyweight interest in his exploits says just as much.
And the Red Devils would do well to swoop in and seal his signature for what could prove to be a bargain fee.
