Liverpool and Manchester City in the race for Giorgio Scalvini

Liverpool and Manchester City in race for Atalanta star Giorgio Scalvini

Atalanta centre-back Giorgio Scalvini is the latest player on the transfer radar of Liverpool as per CalcioMercato (h/t Liverpool Echo). The 19-year-old broke through on the scene last season when he made himself a part of Atalanta’s senior squad.

Since then, the Italian international has made 32 appearances for the Serie A team across all competitions. The Reds have Manchester City, Inter Milan and Bayern Munich alongside them in their pursuit of Scalvini.

The centre-back is a regular feature at the back for his manager and has made four appearances for his national team under Roberto Mancini as well. The trajectory he is on presently seems to go only upward from this point onwards.

Liverpool and Manchester City transfer target Giorgio Scalvini.

The fact that his contract runs out next summer (Transfermarkt) means that he is grabbing the attention of Europe’s elite after his performances for Atalanta. His club value him at €30m and apparently won’t listen to offers below that mark, which makes sense given he is already a full international for Italy.

Two of Liverpool’s starting centre-backs have breached the age of 30. Both Virgil van Dijk and Joel Matip cannot go on playing forever, and it is wise for the Reds to think beyond the pair so that the transition is much easier. Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate provide more than enough depth, but then, the Reds know the value of having multiple strong backup players.

Scalvini to Liverpool

However, for the time being, any funds available for a transfer, if diverted towards securing the services of a midfielder, will be much more ideal and even the fans will appreciate that more than the purchase of a centre-back.

Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta is on Liverpool's radar. — Giorgio Scalvini of Atalanta is on Liverpool’s radar.

As is the case in Liverpool’s pursuit of Antonio Silva, even though not an immediate necessity, the Reds should take note of any developments happening with Scalvini with the hopes of securing his services at some point in the future.

Moreover, the versatility factor also comes in with Scalvini, who can play defensive midfield at times, which could be something that Liverpool gaffer Jurgen Klopp should make a note of as the midfield situation looks bleak presently.