Serie B side Virtus Entella are ready to demand upwards of €2m for defender Cheick Keita, according to Italian outlet Tuttosport (via Sport Witness.)
The 20-year-old was yesterday touted as a potential target for Rafa Benitez at Newcastle United, with a raft of top Italian sides such as Roma and Juventus also reportedly keen on the left-back.
Still, his current side are understood to be ready to stand strong over their valuation following the Mali-born ace’s stunning start to life in Italy’s second tier.
Clearly, that sort of figure isn’t likely to be a make or break one for the Magpies, who will more than likely be backed with big money across the next few transfer windows as Benitez tries to restore former glories.
The Spaniard knows the Italian market well having previously managed both Inter Milan and Napoli and, with quality left-backs at a premium, perhaps the African youngster could be a coup on Tyneside.
