Newcastle United have been linked with a £34m-rated defender who has some of the best statistics across the continent’s big five leagues, according to a recent report.
The Tynesiders appear to have turned a corner in recent weeks and now look well-placed to secure a top-six finish.
Eddie Howe’s men have been hit hard by injuries this season and it’s become pretty evident that they’ll need further reinforcements to compete across four competitions.
With Europa League football potentially on the horizon, Howe will be desperate to add depth and it has just emerged, that they are eyeing a move for an ‘aggressive’ defender.
Newcastle United target Alessandro Buongiorno
Newcastle United have joined Tottenham Hotspur in the race to sign Torino defender Alessandro Buongiorno, according to Inter News.
Buongiorno is also subjected to interest from the Italian Champions Inter, though, they are thought to be put off by his £34m valuation.
However, it has to come to light, that the 24-year-old isn’t totally convinced on a move to either of the aforementioned Premier League clubs.
His preference is to remain in Italy but that may not be feasible if Torino receive bigger offers from The Magpies or Spurs.
Alessandro Buongiorno statistics
Buongiorno has some of the best defensive statistics in Europe, so it is no surprise to see him linked with a number of top clubs.
According to FBref, the Italy international ranks in the top one per cent for interceptions compared to his positional peers across the big five leagues, which is astonishing.
Further, he also sits in the top seven per cent for tackles, evincing how aggressive and proactive his approach is.
Those traits would provide Newcastle with a different profile at the back, though, given he’s left-footed, it seems he’ll be in direct competition with Sven Botman when he returns from injury.
Botman sustained an ACL injury in March that required surgery and may not return until the end of the year, so perhaps club chiefs have specifically identified Buongiorno to replace him in the short to medium term before sharing the responsibility upon his comeback.