Birmingham City look set to sign the Frenchman, despite reported interest from local rivals Aston Villa.
Birmingham City look set to sign Virtus Entella left-back Cheick Keita, despite interest from local rivals Aston Villa, according to the Sun.
Keita, who has also been linked with Newcastle United, is reportedly due to undergo a medical with the Blues on Wednesday, ahead of a £1.5 million move.
New Birmingham boss Gianfranco Zola is said to have been aware of Keita since the 20-year-old’s time as a Monaco youth player and finally looks to have got his man.
Birmingham City manager Gianfranco Zola
Villa are in need of left-back reinforcements after loaning Aly Cissokho to Olympiacos on Monday, but were seemingly not convinced enough to make an approach for Keita.
In terms of league position, Second City rivals Birmingham and Villa are closer than they have been for some time, sitting neck-and-neck in this season’s Championship standings.
And the animosity between the two sides was enhanced by the Villans’ appointment of former St. Andrew’s boss Steve Bruce in October.
Aston Villa manager Steve Bruce
Blues signed former Villa midfielder – and brother of a current one – Craig Gardner last week and have also been linked with a move for ex-Villa Park winger Wayne Routledge.
Will Aston Villa regret not signing Keita?
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