Newcastle reportedly face competition from Jose Mourinho’s AS Roma side for the signing of Olympique Marseille defender Boubacar Kamara.
According to Corriere della Sera, the Serie A side will attempt to sign the 22-year-old once the arrival of Arsenal midfielder Ainsley Maitland-Niles is wrapped up. Mourinho is eager to strengthen his options in the centre of the park for Roma.
As reported by the Athletic, Kamara is set to leave the French giants for free in the summer transfer window, with Newcastle one of the sides interested in signing the versatile defensive player.
Alfredo Pedulla claimed in the summer that Marseille would be open to selling Kamara for £15m, however, it now appears that the French side will be open to letting the youngster leave for a fee way below this valuation next month.
Newcastle are desperate to sign defensive reinforcements in January. Eddie Howe’s side have one of the worst defensive records in the Premier League this season, and the Toon need all the help they can get if they’re to climb out of the relegation zone.
Indeed, Kamara would be an excellent addition to the squad. And whilst the pull of Mourinho will be tempting, playing in the Premier League could be a greater dream for the French star than Italy.
Newcastle are still in the race for Kamara despite Roma interest
Labelled as an ‘extraordinary’ player by former Marseille star Rolando, Kamara will be one of the most sought after players in 2022. And for Newcastle, they can still consider themselves in the race for the youngster even with Roma now keen.
After all, Roma are unlikely to finish in a top-four spot in Serie A, and whilst Kamara could be more open to joining the Italian side over Newcastle, the Magpies could still win the battle for the youngster if they play their cards right in the New Year.
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