Manchester United are interested in bolstering their defence in the January transfer and they have earmarked Italian defender Giorgio Scalvini as one of their major targets.
According to Italian journalist, Alfredo Pedulla, Atalanta are aware of the Red Devils’ interest in the 20-year-old centre-back. The Italian outfit have set a price tag for the youngster already – any potential club will have to pay a minimum fee of £51m.
He adds that Scalvini can be sold in the January window but only with a “monster bid”.
“Atalanta knows about Manchester United’s interest in Giorgio Scalvini and already set the price: minimum 60mln€ (£51m). Scalvini can be sold in January only with a monster bid,” wrote Pedulla on X.
French publication Les Bons Conceil Du Sports reported earlier this month that the Red Devils are ready to activate Scalvini’s £44m release clause after monitoring his development over an extended period.
Need for a centre-back
Erik ten Hag needs to add more quality to the side but whether Scalvini is the answer to the problem remains to be seen.
United didn’t trigger an extension to Raphael Varane’s current deal. The former Real Madrid defender is now free to negotiate a pre-contract agreement with overseas clubs this month.
Jonny Evans is also out of contract in the summer but United have triggered Victor Lindelof’s contract extension for another 12 months. Harry Maguire looked like he had dropped down the pecking order, but he has made a strong comeback.
Ten Hag needs at least two defenders in the January window and Scalvini is emerging as one of their prime targets. Several Italian clubs like AC Milan, Juventus and Inter Milan are also keen to secure the youngster’s services, but they are unlikely to meet the youngster’s asking price.
Scalvini is a right-footed centre-back who is versatile enough to play as a holding midfielder. It doesn’t look likely that the Red Devils will splash a massive sum to land him in January, but anything can happen in the coming weeks.
In other news, Manchester United have exercised their option to trigger a one-year contract extension for 26-year-old defender.
