Newcastle United are weighing up a move for Virtus Entella defender Cheick Keita following his sensational start to life in Serie B, according to the Sun.
The 20-year-old is understood to have been the subject of scouting missions from a number of interested parties, reportedly including Premier League side Crystal Palace.
Interest across the continent is believed to be growing in the Malian, including the likes of Juventus and Roma further up the league structure in Italy.
However, Toon chief Rafa Benitez is said to be aiming to get a deal wrapped up before any interested European powerhouse can make a move for the former Monaco defender.
Elite left-backs are hard to come by in the modern climate of the transfer market, meaning Keita really could be quite the coup for the club going forward.
Paul Dummett and Massadio Haidara currently occupy those berths, while summer signing Achraf Lazaar can also operate there.
