Newcastle United have entered race for Serie A defensive prodigy who have also attracted top Italian clubs.
Newcastle United are heading back into the Champions League, and there was every reason to believe that this summer would be one of real momentum with quality signings arriving early and reinforcing a squad that overachieved last season.
But instead, as July ends, frustration has crept in around the club with Eddie Howe and co struggling to complete key deals and they are still without a new centre back.
Manager Eddie Howe has repeatedly emphasised the need for defensive reinforcements.
His current options, which includes Sven Botman, Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn are either recovering from injury or on the wrong side of 30.
Lascelles and Botman are both coming off ACL injuries, while Burn and Schar showed signs of physical decline last season.
With multiple competitions ahead, and the risk of overworking key players like Trippier again, Newcastle cannot afford another season without an injection of pace and youth at centre back.
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That has led them toward one of the most promising young centre backs currently playing in Italy.
Newcastle target Serie A defender as Milan giants and Juventus also show interest
According to Corriere dello Sport, Newcastle are now seriously exploring a move for 19-year-old Giovanni Leoni, who has quietly emerged as one of the top young defenders in Serie A.
After signing for just €7m [$8m] from Sampdoria last summer, Leoni made himself undroppable at Parma with a series of commanding performances, consistently keeping top strikers quiet and showing signs of elite potential.
He has become the top defensive target for Inter Milan, especially after Cristian Chivu took charge and made it clear that Leoni’s profile fits the new direction he wants.
AC Milan and Juventus have also made moves in recent weeks.
Parma are expected to demand at least €40m [$46m] to let him leave, given the level of interest.
Along with Newcastle, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur have also made enquiries about the Serie A star.Â
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