Newcastle are reportedly lining up the signing of a new defender after making progress in their pursuit of Nottingham Forest winger Anthony Elanga. The Magpies are said to be eyeing reinforcements in several key positions ahead of the new Premier League season. They have already signed teenage forward Antonio Cordero on a free transfer from Spanish side Malaga.

Elanga has been identified as another target with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe eager to add more quality and depth in the final third. Last week, they submitted an opening bid in the region of £45million but it was rejected by Forest. They have since upped their offer by another £10m and their latest proposal is set to be accepted.

Fabrizio Romano has reported that Newcastle are expected to get the 'green light' after succeeding with their newest bid. It is also said that Elanga is close to agreeing personal terms with the Tyneside club.

Once that deal is complete, the Magpies are expected to switch their focus to another high-profile target. Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini has been earmarked as a 'top target' by those in power at St James' Park, according to The Times.

The report states that Scalvini is viewed as a long-term replacement for the likes of Fabian Schar and Dan Burn. At just 21 years of age, he boasts plenty of potential and has already been capped by Italy on eight occasions.

Newcastle are said to be hopeful of agreeing a £30m deal with Atalanta at some point in the near future. Scalvini has been with the Italian side for the duration of his career, having progressed through their academy system.

The defender recently returned from a long-term shoulder injury which restricted him to just eight appearances last season. Before that, he suffered a knee ligament injury which ruled him out of the Italy squad for last summer's Euros.

In spite of his injury record, Newcastle are thought to have placed him at the very top of their defensive shortlist. They have also taken a liking to Marseille centre-back Leonardo Balerdi, who has been capped eight times by Argentina.

The signing of a new goalkeeper is also high on the agenda, with Burnley stopper James Trafford a top target. Newcastle recently saw an opening bid turned down but are not giving up on their pursuit of the England international.

Burnley are thought to be pushing for a transfer fee in the region of £40m but the Magpies hope a compromise can be reached. They are said to be 'increasingly confident' that a deal will eventually be done for around £30m.

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