Newcastle United have identified Atalanta right-back Marco Palestra as a prime summer target but face growing competition.
The 21-year-old has just come off an impressive season on loan at Serie A rivals Cagliari but Atalanta have been inundated with enquiries and look willing to cash in on the Italy international.
Newcastle are anticipating interest in Tino Livramento this window so have been working on finding potential replacements.
Arsenal and Manchester City were keen on Livramento but City’s interest is understood to have cooled. The 23-year-old, however, is coming to a juncture in his Newcastle contract where he has two years remaining, so a decision will have to be taken over whether he is sold or offered new terms.
Marco Palestra (left) with Francesco Camarda at Italy’s training camp on Monday
Newcastle have also lost Kieran Trippier who could fill in on either side of the defence after his contract was allowed to run down. He has since agreed to join Wolves.
Palestra is aware of interest building in him and says he is ready for the next stage in his career.
Talking from Italy’s training camp ahead of friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece, when asked if he believes that now is the right time for him to step up he said: ‘I’ve always felt ready. I want to thank Cagliari and the coach Pisacane for my first season as a starter in Serie A. Now I’m focused on these two games and starting over with Italy. ‘For next season, I hope to grow and improve even more, to fight for even higher goals.’
Manchester City, Arsenal and Inter Milan are all known to have asked about Palestra in recent weeks as they assess right-back options in the market. Liverpool have also been linked but are working on other priorities.
Inter though, are understood to be primed with a substantial offer as they look to sell Denzel Dumfries. So Newcastle are aware, without Champions League football, that they may face a tough task to sell him their project, but he figures high on their list.
