Newcastle United are a major candidate to sign Marco Palestra but they are now facing a major challenge.
This week, Sport Witness have covered how the Magpies are firmly in the picture for the wing-back. Manchester City are also interested, with Enzo Maresca a big admirer of the 21-year-old.
Inter Milan are the only club to have made a formal offer for him, as things stand. They offered €40m plus bonuses of €5m but this was promptly rejected by Atalanta.
There have been suggestions that the Bergamo club are looking to create an auction. This has led to links with Premier League clubs, who have a higher financial capacity.
Now, it seems like Palestra has his mind made up about his future.
Player decision likely key
Corriere dello Sport report Inter’s offer was actually €42m plus bonuses. Regardless of the price difference, Atalanta weren’t keen on accepting this.
The Nerazzurri’s main rivals are presented as Newcastle United. They appear to be ahead of Manchester City, as the Citizens haven’t pushed forward.
The Magpies are ready to fulfill Atalanta’s demands and hand Palestra a significant wage too. However, as it stands, the wing-back isn’t thinking about moving to England.
He is keen on staying in Italy and playing for the champions. Inter are willing to hand him a starting role too, with Denzel Dumfries on his way to Real Madrid.
Atalanta want around more than €50m. This won’t be a problem for Newcastle United but Inter aren’t fazed by this either. They are working with Palestra’s entourage to lay down the foundations of an agreement.
Move now unlikely
This should come as a disappointment to Newcastle United, who will lose Kieran Trippier soon. Palestra could have been the perfect replacement but their lack of European qualification probably impacts the situation.
Besides, Inter boast the ability to challenge for silverware at the highest level. They are playing in the Champions League and the sales of Dumfries and even Davide Frattesi will help them a lot this summer.
