Newcastle faces Liverpool battle for £51M-rated defender…

Newcastle is in a competition with Liverpool for the $51M-rated defender.

Both Newcastle and Liverpool are showing interest in acquiring Atalanta’s right-back Marco Palestra, who has been making a mark during his loan spell at Cagliari this season, alongside Newcastle and

To secure Marco Palestra, Newcastle must act quickly if they believe the young Italian is the perfect replacement for Kieran Trippier, especially with Liverpool also pursuing him.

Over the weekend, the Magpies and Trippier confirmed that the seasoned full-back will be leaving St. James’ Park at the conclusion of the Premier League season, as the former England international’s contract is set to expire after four years with the team.

Newcastle has already started planning for a future without Trippier, extending its search across Europe for promising young right-backs who could prove to be valuable assets. Palestra, the 21-year-old who has been making waves in Serie A with Cagliari this season, is among those being considered by Newcastle.

Palestra is currently on a season-long loan from Atalanta, where he developed through the club’s prestigious academy. Newcastle has maintained a keen interest in the Bergamo-based club and holds its young center-back Giorgio Scalvini in high esteem.

Palestra has quickly become one of the standout players in Italian top-flight football, drawing significant attention from clubs across Europe.

Barcelona has sent scouts to evaluate the versatile defender, while Liverpool is heavily favored to pursue the young talent after facing challenges on the right side of their defense this season.

Interest from Serie A is also growing, with Juventus among the clubs monitoring the player as they aim to attract Italy’s top young prospects.

Nevertheless, Atalanta would prefer to sell the player internationally if they choose to cash in on their academy product, setting their asking price at approximately £39 million ($51.7 million), fully aware that a bidding war could arise.

Palestra was questioned about the rumors back in December, but he stated: “I hear many speculations, but I don’t dwell on them. I’m content at Cagliari, and I hope to keep this up to guide the team to safety.”

Since that time, his reputation has significantly increased.

He received his first international cap for the Azzurri as a late substitute in their World Cup playoff semifinal against Northern Ireland, before starting in the loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which dashed the country’s hopes in a heartbreaking manner.

Nevertheless, Palestra was among the few Italian players to emerge with any credit.

Palestra is seen as an exceptional modern attacking full-back, known for his speed and strong physical presence.

He is proficient with both feet and can play on either side, as well as advance further up the pitch when necessary.