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

Newcastle are ready to join Tottenham Hotspur, Juventus, and Bayer Leverkusen in the fight to acquire Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, reports say.

Calafiori, who spent his childhood career at AS Roma, broke onto the spotlight this season after a brief stint at Basel and played a significant role in the club’s first Champions League appearance in 60 years.

Newcastle are looking for a new central defender this summer, with agreements for Lloyd Kelly and Tosin Adarabioyo likely to be completed soon.

Calafiori might be next in line as Newcastle manager Eddie Howe tries to strengthen his defensive options after Sven Botman and club captain Jamaal Lascelles were out for extended periods of time.

Calafiori might accompany Thiago Motta to Juventus.

The Italian, who has represented his country at the under-21 level, has sparked attention from around Europe.

According to Italian site TuttoJuve, Newcastle, Tottenham, Juventus, and Bayer Leverkusen are among the clubs interested in signing the 22-year-old this summer.

With Bologna manager Thiago Motta expected to join Juventus as head coach this summer, Calafiori could accompany him there.

It is believed that a sum of £25 million will be sufficient for Bologna to let him go.

Calafiori’s influence enabled Bologna to qualify for the Champions League.

Calafiori, a key member of the Bologna side, appeared in 30 Serie A games this season, scoring twice in a 3-3 tie with Juventus and provided five assists, three of which came against AC Milan, Roma, and Napoli.

Calafiori, a left-footed player, can also play left-back, which would be ideal for Newcastle if they have the same injury issues as last season.

Calafiori appears to be an excellent fit for Eddie Howe, who values his defenders’ ability to pass the ball slowly and comfortably.