Manchester City are “intent on investing” €40m (£34m) in signing Giorgio Scalvini from Atalanta, according to InterLive.it.

Inter Milan are also keen on securing the services of the Italian international but the website claims that Pep Guardiola‘s side are the “best-equipped club” to match Atalanta’s valuation.

Scalvini is a centre-back by trade, although he has been deployed as a holding midfield player on multiple occasions as well.

He is a very highly-rated young player. Despite still only being 20 years of age, he already has 7 caps at senior level for his country.

Why are City interested in Scalvini?

It must be said that the Premier League champions are not exactly short of options in the centre of defence. The likes of Ruben Dias, John Stones, Josko Gvardiol, Nathan Ake and Manuel Akanji can all play there if required.

However, Stones’s injury record means that Guardiola could do with having some cover. The England international’s ability to play in more advanced areas (as we saw against Bournemouth last weekend) makes him a unique player in City’s squad.

Scalvini has shown that he is capable of playing in midfield, despite ostensibly being a centre-half, so it could well be the case that City’s scouts see the Italian as a competitor for Stones.

In addition, the fact that the Atalanta star is just 20 means he could be considered a long-term replacement too.

City will have competition from other Premier League clubs

InterLive.it say that the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool may also “show interest” in the defender when the transfer window reopens in the summer.

Scalvini is said to be open to the idea of making the switch to the Premier League but you’d think that City would be the most attractive destination for the player if he does leave Atalanta.