Report: Magpies Draw Up Three-Man Shortlist for Centre Back | OneFootball

Newcastle Line Up Three-Man Centre-Back Shortlist

Newcastle United’s summer business may have opened with attacking intent, but defensive strengthening now appears firmly on Eddie Howe’s radar. As revealed by Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, the Magpies have drawn up a three-man shortlist for a right-sided centre-back – with Nicolo Savona, Cesar Tarrega, and Giorgio Scalvini all under consideration.

While Anthony Elanga has arrived to add pace and directness on the right wing, the club’s pursuit of striker Hugo Ekitike has stalled. As a result, Brentford’s Yoane Wissa is now being explored. But behind the scenes, it’s clear that Howe and his recruitment team are just as focused on the other end of the pitch.

Scalvini, Savona and Tarrega – The Shortlist Breakdown

The most high-profile name in the frame is Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini. A regular in Serie A and touted as one of Italy’s brightest young defenders, the 21-year-old has featured 8 times for his country.

Next on the list is Nicolo Savona, currently on the books at Juventus. While less proven than Scalvini, Savona is a rising star within the Italian setup. Downie reports Newcastle are now considering an approach to Juventus to bring him in. This would be a more developmental move, in line with the club’s desire to target younger players with resale value.

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Finally, Cesar Tarrega of Valencia rounds off the trio. With Newcastle’s scouts keeping tabs on La Liga for emerging talent, Tarrega’s inclusion shows a desire to future-proof the defence with intelligent recruitment.

Why Defence Is the New Priority

Newcastle’s return to the Champions League spotlight for the 2024/25 season has forced a reassessment of the squad’s depth. Defensive injuries last season highlighted a vulnerability that Howe cannot afford to repeat. With Fabian Schär ageing and Sven Botman recovering from injury, a new right-sided centre-back is critical.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Newcastle fan’s perspective, there’s cautious optimism about the names mentioned in Keith Downie’s report. All three defenders represent youthful potential, but there’s a question of readiness, especially with Scalvini and Savona still refining key elements of their game.

Scalvini feels like the standout, especially given his Serie A experience and Atalanta’s reputation for tactical discipline. He could be a Botman-esque acquisition if the price is right. Savona and Tarrega, while talented, would likely need more time to adapt, especially to the pace and physicality of the Premier League.

What fans want now is clarity. If Wissa and Elanga are part of the attacking puzzle, then defenders like Scalvini could complete the broader picture. There’s also the lingering concern over Schär’s age and Botman’s return to fitness – so this isn’t just about depth, it’s about reliability.