Report: Newcastle to rival Spurs for 22-year-old Italian defender on verge of international call-up

Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are set to face off on the pitch tomorrow as they get their Australian tour underway.

However, off the pitch, the two could be set to do battle again as both clubs have their eye on the same transfer target.

Both sides need to add numbers to their defensive ranks this summer with Newcastle missing two first-team players until the new year through injury while already being lacking in that area, and Spurs struggling at the back when Destiny Udogie has been unavailable.

Now TuttoJuve are reporting that both clubs have their sights set on one of Serie A's most promising defenders in the form of Bologna centre-back Riccardo Calafiori.

Calafiori is not short of admirers

The Premier League sides would face some stiff competition for Calafiori with Bayer Leverkusen and Juventus also keen on the 22-year-old who can also operate comfortably at left-back.

Calafiori has already been touted as one of the best centre-backs in Serie A after his performances this season for Bologna and Italy coach Luciano Spalletti saying that he's 'ready for the national team'.

In fact, he's hotly tipped to be part of Italy's Euro 2024 squad this summer.

Calafiori is keen to remain in Italy this summer

The feeling right now is that he would prefer to stay in Italy which gives Juventus the clear advantage of Newcastle and Spurs, but things can and do change.

No price has been hinted at just yet, but you'd imagine that Bologna will want a decent fee for their star asset were he to move on.

With the deals for Lloyd Kelly and Tosin Adarabioyo looking likely, Newcastle may skip this one altogether, but he looks like one to keep an eye on in the future.