Manchester United will need to pay at least €60 million to sign Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini during the January transfer window, according to Alfredo Pedulla.
The Red Devils have been linked with multiple centre-backs this winter. It was recently reported that they are advanced discussions to sign Scalvini from Atalanta.
Pedulla has now revealed that the Serie A outfit are aware of United’s interest in the 20-year-old, but they are reluctant to part ways with him for less than €60m.
The journalist added that only a ‘monster bid’ would persuade them to part ways with the Italian.
United unlikely to pursue Scalvini this month
The Red Devils are likely to reinforce their central defensive department this year.
Victor Lindelof recently had his contract extended for another 12 months, but he will enter the final year of his deal in the summer. The Swede could head for the exit door.
Meanwhile, Raphael Varane could leave on a free transfer. The Red Devils have opted against triggering an extension clause to keep him at the club beyond June 2024.
The club will want to invest on marquee centre-backs to replace the duo. Scalvini would be a quality acquisition, considering his young age and room for progress.
The Italian can play in the right and left centre-back roles. He operates in a back three at Atalanta.
His distribution has room for improvement but he is a strongly built defender. He has won an impressive 68 per cent of his aerial challenges in the current Serie A season.
Scalvini also averages 2.1 tackles, 2.1 interceptions, 2.4 clearances and 5.6 recoveries per game. He has all the hallmarks to become a world-class central defender in future.
With Financial Fair Play issues, we don’t see United pursuing a deal this month. Unless Varane moves to Saudi Arabia in a big-money transfer, any deal for Scalvini could be delayed until the summer.
Stats from Sofascore.com
