Newcastle told they must pay £38m for "best defender in Italy" but face competition from Napoli

Newcastle United have been informed that they must pay £38million to sign Torino defender Alessandro Buongiorno, according to reports.

Toon boss Eddie Howe has already dipped into the transfer market to strengthen his defence, but after the signing of Lloyd Kelly on a free transfer was confirmed he isn't letting up and wants another central defender before the start of the season.

The Magpies' defence was hampered by long-term injuries to Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles towards the backend of the season with neither player looking likely to return before the end of the calendar year.

As a result, Howe has turned his attention to Italy and will believe that he has found a diamond in the rough.

Alessandro Buongiorno is regarded as "one of the best CB's in Italy"

Buongiorno has been a Torino player his whole career, the 25-year-old received his first international call-up in June 2023 and has made four appearances for the Italian national team since.

A lifelong fan of the Turin-based team, it will take some prying to get him to leave the club he loves.

According to Corriere dello Sport, the Magpies have identified Buongiorno as an option but Torino are insisting that they be paid £38m with the defenders contract not up until 2028.

The Magpies are also facing competition from Napoli who have already had a bid rejected for the Italian.

Easing PSR concerns mean Newcastle can spend big

Late last week, the Magpies were desperately trying to make ends meet to ensure they would avoid a points deduction due to a breach of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability rules.

This led to the departures of Yankuba Minteh and academy star Elliot Anderson, both for £30m+.

Newcastle can now afford to spend money on players like Buongiorno, who could give Howe the strength and depth he needs to return to Europe following disappointment last season.