Report: Newcastle join race to sign £25m Italian defender as alternative for Tosin Adarabioyo

Newcastle are set to join Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen in the race to sign Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, reports suggest.

Following a youth career at AS Roma, Calafiori burst onto the scene this season following a short stint at Basel just had a huge hand in helping the club reach the Champions League for the first time in 60 years.

Newcastle are in the market for a new central defender this summer, with deals for Lloyd Kelly and Tosin Adarabioyo looking set to be confirmed soon.

Calafiori could follow through the door as Newcastle boss Eddie Howe looks to bolster his defensive options following lengthy spells on the sidelines for Sven Botman and club captain Jamaal Lascelles.

Calafiori could follow Thiago Motta to Juventus

The Italian, who has represented his country at under-21 level has attracted interest from all over Europe.

Italian outlet TuttoJuve has stated that as well as Newcastle, Spurs, Juventus and Bayer Leverkusen are interested in bringing in the 22-year-old this summer.

With Bologna manager Thiago Motta looking set to become Juventus' new head coach this summer, Calafiori could follow him to The Old Lady.

It is thought that a fee of £25milllion will be enough for Bologna to let him leave.

Calafiori's influence helped Bologna qualify for the Champions League

An integral part of the Bologna squad, Calafiori made 30 appearances in the Serie A this season scoring his two goals in a 3-3 draw against Juventus and providing five assists - Three of those coming against AC Milan, Roma and Napoli.

A left-footed player, Calafiori can also play as a left-back which would be perfect for Newcastle should they experience the same injury worries they did in the season just gone.

Calafiori looks to be a great fit for Eddie Howe who likes his defenders to be able to calmly pass the ball and be comfortable with the ball at their feet.