Manchester United are weighing up a move for Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini at a cut-price fee of around £32 million, according to a report by The Telegraph — a figure made possible largely because of the knee injury that ruled the Italian out of Euro 2024.

Scalvini, 22, was valued at close to €60 million at the start of 2024, with Chelsea and Inter Milan among the clubs monitoring his situation. However, an anterior cruciate ligament injury severely disrupted his development and sent his market value tumbling.

A versatile option for Carrick's rebuild

Manager Michael Carrick has been rebuilding his squad ahead of Manchester United's return to the Premier League, with Youri Tielemans and Andrey Santos already brought in — both for fees below £50 million. The club have been priced out of bigger moves and are now focusing on intelligent, value-driven recruitment.

Scalvini fits that profile. Though primarily a centre-back, he is capable of operating in midfield, and his physicality and ability to cover ground have drawn comparisons to Declan Rice. He could develop into a defensive midfield presence alongside either Tielemans or Kobbie Mainoo.

After appearing just eight times in the season following his ACL setback, Scalvini returned strongly last term, featuring in 30 matches across all competitions for Atalanta.

Transfermarkt currently values Scalvini at €38 million. If United can secure him for around £32 million, it would represent a significant bargain for a player who was considered one of Italian football's brightest prospects just a few years ago.

United open their Premier League campaign against Hull City, and further signings — including a right-back and potentially another forward — are also understood to be on Carrick's wish list. A potential move for Newcastle United's Lewis Hall is reportedly among the higher-cost options under consideration, making cheaper acquisitions like Scalvini all the more attractive.