Speaking to Italian outlet Il Secolo, Virtus Entella chairman Antonio Gozzo has confirmed the fact he agreed a deal with Birmingham City for reported Newcastle United target Cheick Keita.
The 20-year-old defender was touted as a potential target for the Magpies recently after seriously impressing in Serie B, while the likes of Juventus and Roma were also reportedly keen on the Malian.
With top-class full-backs proving oh so hard to come by in the current climate of the transfer market, the African may have proved to be somewhat of a coup on Tyneside. However, Gozzo has seemingly announced he’s ready to sell Keita to the Blues, who travel to St. James’ Park in the FA Cup 3-round tonight.
“It’s our first big market operation to when we are in B”, said Gozzo.
”We are pleased to have been right about this guy that we have taken on a free transfer and has been with us for three years. We give him our best wishes.”
Those in the Second City are said to be paying around €1.7m for the Paris-born defender as he bids farewell to Genoa after three years plying his trade in Italy’s second tier.
