Newcastle United are interested in Atalanta’s Marco Palestra and are now pushing for his signature.
SportWitness previously covered how the Magpies are among the candidates to sign the wing-back. Incoming Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca is also a fan, with Arsenal also possibly in the race.
Newcastle United have sensed the opportunity and are now taking concrete steps for the deal.
Inter offer rejected
Corriere dello Sport report on Inter’s formal offer on Tuesday, with transfer talks underway with Atalanta.
The Nerazzurri offered €40m, plus bonuses of €5m for the player. This was firmly rejected by Atalanta, who want at least €50m to consider his sale.
Now, English clubs are becoming active on this front.
Magpies initiate talks
The Italian newspaper say Newcastle United have made ‘significant in-roads’ over a deal. They have spoken to Atalanta about the feasibility of a move, expressing willingness to meet their asking price as well.
While Maresca would want Palestra at Manchester City, they haven’t stepped forward yet.
This makes Eddie Howe’s side more prominent candidates, with Inter unlikely to fend away English clubs. It remains to be seen if they make another offer but could possibly add a player to a renewed offer.
Player’s stance
Corriere dello Sport add more, noting that Palestra would be much more keen on joining Inter or Manchester City.
Even if Newcastle United come forward, he would much rather stay in Italy and sign for the Nerazzurri. He’s also more interested in heading to the Manchester City, as he sees the Magpies as a ‘lower profile’ club than what he would ideally want.
Their failure to qualify for Europe make matters more difficult, with even Atalanta offering him Conference League football.
Our take: Auction in the works
It seems Atalanta are trying to earn as much as possible from Palestra’s sale. They are using English interest to raise their value and bait Newcastle United and Manchester City with the opportunity.
This doesn’t mean Howe’s side are out of the picture, though. A substantial salary offer still appeal to the wing-back and they could yet sell a reliable project.
Everything can come down to money too. Inter can soon offload Denzel Dumfries and this can hand them extra finances to land Palestra. That will change the game, which is why Newcastle United need to hurry.
