Keith Downie names three defensive targets for Newcastle United as club pivots in the transfer market yet again

With Newcastle United walking away from the Hugo Ekitike saga, the club are once again thought to be changing priority in the window.

Newcastle were focusing on a right-sided centre-back at the start of the window before focusing on the top end of the pitch. They brought in Anthony Elanga from Nottingham Forest to cover the right wing, but at the same time, Callum Wilson left the club, leaving a gap at centre-forward.

This was where Newcastle chose to focus their efforts next, but now, having missed out on João Pedro and Hugo Ekitike, Keith Downie believes Newcastle will return to their search for a defender.

A striker is still needed by the club, but after two stressful sagas, they're going to take a break and look at shoring up the defence.

The Magpies are eyeing Juventus defender Nicolo Savona

Speaking on his YouTube channel, Downie named three defenders Newcastle are looking at.

Juventus defender Nicolo Savona is thought to be high on the Magpies' list, according to Downie. Although he played predominantly at right back for the Turin side last season, the 6'3" Italian did play as a centre-back towards the end of the season.

A deal for Savona could be extremely tricky, though, as the 22-year-old just signed a new deal at Juventus, taking him up to 2030. On top of that, he is currently out injured after picking up a knock to his ankle in the Club World Cup while playing against Manchester City.

Newcastle are still watching Giorgio Scalvini and Cesar Tarrega

Atalanta's Giorgio Scalvini is still of interest to Newcastle, according to Downie, as is Valencia's Cesar Tarrega, both of whom have been linked a few times this summer.

Newcastle need a young right-sided centre-back as support and as a long-term successor to Fabian Schar. Savona seems to fit the bill the most right now, given his versatility, with Scalvini an out-and-out centre-back. Downie claims the two Italians are of higher priority than the Spanish defender, Tarrega.

Eddie Howe will be hoping for some progress soon with the pre-season preparations well underway, the gaffer would like as much time as possible to mould his new recruits.