Newcastle United are interested in signing Roma midfielder Manu Kone, according to reports in the Italian media.
TMW claim that Magpies boss Eddie Howe is looking to reinforce his options in the middle of the park when the January transfer window opens.
Kone is one of the “first names” to be identified, along with Lazio’s Matteo Guendouzi, who has also been linked with a transfer to St James’ Park.
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It is believed that scouts have seen the Roma star in action recently, but the chances of a deal happening early in the New Year are said to be remote.
Roma have blocked Kone’s departure
The Italian club are currently top of the Serie A table after 12 games, and head coach Gian Piero Gasperini does not want any departures that could disrupt his plans.
Kone is reportedly happy with life in Rome, and he is not expected to push for a move away if Newcastle or other teams like Inter Milan make an approach in January.
From the sound of things, the Magpies may have to look elsewhere if they want to strengthen their midfield.
The Newcastle target has been compared to a former Chelsea star
Kone is extremely athletic and is capable of covering plenty of ground during games. It was reported last year, when Claudio Ranieri was in charge of Roma, that he saw the player as the ‘next’ N’Golo Kante.
Ranieri is among the best equipped to see similarities, having helped establish Kante in the Premier League. The Frenchman was integral to Leicester’s historic Premier League title win in 2016.
He would leave for Chelsea the same year, before lifting the World Cup with France in 2018. Of course, Kone has yet to reach those heights, but at 24 years of age, he could still develop into a top performer.
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