Manchester United are interested in signing Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini, according to journalist Alfredo Pedulla.
Writing on his website, the Italian reporter claimed that the Red Devils “appreciate” the young defender, although Atalanta would be more amenable to a bid in the summer rather than during the January transfer window.
Supporters on X are rather split on whether United should make a move for Scalvini. Some believe he is a promising player with huge potential, while others feel he lacks what’s required to become a top centre-half:
Nice player.
— Team Picture (@Team_Picture) December 25, 2023
Please no more average players
— Prince 💎⭐ 🐦 (@PrinceUTD1) December 25, 2023
FM Wonderkid won me the league next to Licha 🤷🏿♂️🤷🏿♂️ just saying
— Brambino (@ItsJusRy) December 25, 2023
His future is as a cdm not at CB
He gets bullied & is way to aggressive in duels and plays a very risky game
— KRÎSHNA (@madgamer0029) December 25, 2023
Nice one
— Anas Isyaku Muhammad (@AnasIsyakuMuha1) December 25, 2023
Sack all our scouts and bring in new ones let's get good players in
— Prince 💎⭐ 🐦 (@PrinceUTD1) December 25, 2023
Is he any better than the CBs we have currently??
— Tusaminaj (@locoforonika) December 25, 2023
There will be competition for Scalvini
A number of other Premier League clubs have been linked with the 20-year-old over the past twelve months or so.
Rivals Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea have been mentioned as potential suitors, although Pedulla’s information appears to suggest that Real Madrid could be United’s main competitors.
United do have a good relationship with Atalanta
What may give Erik ten Hag’s side a slight advantage in the race for Scalvini’s services is the fact that they have recently dealt with his club for another signing. They spent £72m to sign Rasmus Hojlund in the summer.
However, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s team having now taken over footballing operations at Old Trafford, there are likely to be different negotiators involved if United do decide to make a move for the Italian international. With his price tag said to be as high as €50m (£43m), it could be a difficult transfer to finalise in January as well.
