Palestra: Atalanta hope for Man City-Newcastle bidding war as Inter weigh swap deal

Sources in Italy claim that Inter are eager to include Matteo Cocchi in a player-plus-cash swap deal for Marco Palestra, but Atalanta hope for a bidding war involving Manchester City and Newcastle United.Italy international Palestra has attracted interest from Inter, Newcastle and Manchester City, but the Serie A giants are leading the race, having already made an opening offer worth €40 plus add-ons.Palestra transfer: latest updates as Inter, Man City and Newcastle linkedCorriere dello Sport claims that Atalanta have rejected the Serie A champions’ proposal, as La Dea seeks a €50m transfer fee.Both Sky and Corriere della Sera claim that Inter aim to lower Atalanta’s demands by including 19-year-old left-back Cocchi in the deal.The promising Italian defender made his senior Inter debut under Cristian Chivu in 2025-26, collecting three appearances with the Nerazzurri’s first team.Corriere dello Sport, however, notes that Atalanta are aware of interest from other clubs in Palestra, especially Manchester City and Newcastle in the Premier League, so they hope for a bidding war during the summer transfer window.FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 24: Marco Palestra of Cagliari Calcio reacts during the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and Cagliari Calcio at Artemio Franchi on January 24, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)According to the report, Newcastle are ready to match Atalanta’s demands, but Palestra is not entirely convinced about a move to St. James’ Park as the Magpies won’t be playing in European competitions in 2026-27.Manchester City, on the other hand, will soon appoint Enzo Maresca as their new coach and haven’t yet made a formal approach for Palestra.Inter are planning to partially finance the Palestra deal with the sale of Denzel Dumfries, who is set to join Real Madrid for €20m.