Liverpool and Manchester United are set to battle it out for Giorgio Scalvini
According to 90min, Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United are keeping close tabs on Atalanta starlet Giorgio Scalvini as he continues to make a name for himself in European football.
The 19-year-old is already a regular for Atalanta and the Italian national team. Primarily a centre-back, Scalvini can also double up as a defensive midfielder when needed. This hints at excellent on-the-ball ability that can help him progress the ball further upfield.
It is a position that both Liverpool and Manchester United will need to reinforce in the coming transfer windows. The former will need to replace Virgil van Dijk sooner or later while Joel Matip is on his last legs. Add to it Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez’s persistent injuries and it is clear to see that a new centre-back is needed.
The club also appears to be thinking along the same lines as confirmed by James Pearce. If the summer of 2023 was the window to rebuild the midfield, the one in 2024 would address the shortcomings in the defence. The Reds’ scouts were in attendance this week when Italy played their Euro 2024 qualifying clash with Ukraine where Scalvini also played.
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Manchester United are also keen on a centre-back following the fall from grace of Harry Maguire. Lisandro Martinez too has dropped off this season while Raphael Varane struggles with injuries and consistency. More so, the Red Devils also have a healthy relationship with Atalanta having signed Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund in recent years.
A giant of a player, Scalvini has plenty of experience under his cap at a tender age and will only get better with time. A solid defender, he reads the game well and excels at making interceptions. This is an excellent trait for both Jurgen Klopp and Erik ten Hag, both of whom attempt to make their sides get the most out of turnovers.
The Italian sensation has a bright future ahead of him and could prove to be a solid signing for years to come. Whether either club will make a move for him in January or are content waiting until the summer of 2024 remains to be seen.
