Italian outlet CalcioMercato report that Jose Mourinho and Roma are on ‘pole position’ to land Boubacar Kamara from Marseille. That is, despite interest from the Premier League – namely Leeds and Newcastle.
Kamara, 22, is out of contract at the end of the season – but could leave the club in the January window. Marca reported towards the end of December that the Frenchman could leave his boyhood club for a bargain £10million.
Little surprise, then, that Premier League clubs are interested. Newcastle have long been linked with the versatile holding midfielder – who can also fill in as a centre-back. The Mail report Leeds and Newcastle are keen.
However, CM now report that despite the imminent arrival of Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan at Roma from Arsenal – Mourinho is leading the charge for Kamara. It remains to be seen if leaves Marseille this month.
Leeds and Newcastle blow: Kamara a bargain at just £10m
Firstly, Kamara is incredible business for £10million. Even less towards the end of the window, as Marseille run out of time to bring in some cash for the France Under-21 ace. He is a top talent, and still only 22.
Leeds, Newcastle or Roma? Well, Leeds could do with cover at centre-back due to the proneness of injury in Liam Cooper, Robin Koch and Diego Llorente. They also require cover for Kalvin Phillips.
But Newcastle certainly need Kamara more than Leeds. Their need for a centre-back is enormous, as is a holding midfielder. Newcastle should be all over a deal to bring Kamara to England – but Mourinho is leading the race.
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