Newcastle are reportedly in the race to sign Cheick Keita.
According to The Sun, Newcastle United are interested in signing Virtus Entella left back Cheick Keita – though Juventus and Roma are among other clubs keen to sign him.
The Magpies have mostly used Paul Dummett at left back this season, but did raid Italian football over the summer to strengthen the position, with Achraf Lazaar arriving from Palermo.
General view of St. James’ Park
However, manager Rafael Benitez may look to add another option to the position, with a youngster in Italy believed to be catching Newcastle’s attention.
The Sun report that the Magpies are keen on Virtus Entella left back Cheick Keita, who is currently impressing in the Italian Serie B.
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez
Keita, 20, is a product of the famed Clairefontaine academy, and was on the books with French side Monaco before heading to Virtus Entella in the summer of 2014.
The Malian defender is now making a name for himself, and Newcastle are believed to be considering a move to sign him with a view to developing him over the coming years.
However, Newcastle aren’t the only club to have spotted Keita. It’s claimed that Bolton Wanderers and Crystal Palace are both keen on the defender, whilst Juventus and Roma – two European giants – are also monitoring him.
With such huge competition for Keita’s signature, Newcastle may have to move quickly to sign the youngster, but with Dummett and Lazaar already at the club, they may need to convince him about his long-term prospects should he move to St. James’ Park.
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