Newcastle United transfer news as Magpies hunt Kieran Trippier replacement
(Image: 2026 Claudio Villa – FIGC)
Newcastle United will have to move quickly to land Marco Palestra if they decide the young Italian is the natural heir to Kieran Trippier.
The Magpies and Trippier announced over the weekend that the veteran full-back would be leaving St James’ Park at the end of the season. The former England international’s contract expires after four years at the club.
Newcastle have already started planning for life without Trippier and have identified a number of young right-backs around Europe as they look to pick up a gem.
One of those is Palestra, the 21-year-old who has been starring in Serie A with Calgliari this season. Palestra has been on season-long loan from Atalanta, where he came through their famed academy. Newcastle have kept regular tabs on the Bergamo-based club and are big admirers of young centre-half offer Giorgio Scalvini.
Palestra has quickly emerged as one of the standout performers in the Italian top flight and has attracted a host of interest. Barcelona have sent scouts to watch the versatile defender while Liverpool are heavily tipped to make a move for the youngster after struggling on the right side of their defence this season.
There is interest within Serie A, too. Juventus are among the clubs showing interest as they look to secure the best young talent in Italy. However, Atalanta would prefer to sell the player abroad if they do decide to cash in on the academy graduate and are looking at an asking price of around £39million as they know they could have a bidding war on their hands.
Palestra was asked about the speculation back in December, but said: “I hear a lot of rumours, but I don’t think about them. I’m happy at Cagliari and I hope to continue like this to lead the team to safety.”
Since then, his stock has risen even more. He won his first international cap for Azzurri as a late substitute in their World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland, and then starting in the defeat against Bosnia & Herzegovina which ended their hopes in heartbreaking fashion. Palestra, alongside Sandro Tonali, was one of the few Italian players to emerge with any credit, however.
Newcastle are hoping to move swiftly this summer, having learned from their mistakes in the transfer window 12 months ago. The decision to part company with Trippier was announced in good time and with Italy not in the World Cup, it could open the door for some early business once the season has finished.
Palestra is seen as an excellent modern attacking full-back, with pace and physical presence. He is two-footed and can play on either flank, as well as operating higher up the pitch if needed.
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