Newcastle United are vying to beat Chelsea and Manchester United to the signature of Marseille star Boubacar Kamara, according to reports.
The 22-year-old is a free agent at the end of the season and has attracted interest from Premier League big boys.
But Newcastle are keen and are set to make a late bid for Kamara, as per Alan Nixon from The Sun.
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The Magpies have arranged talks with Kamara's representatives and are willing to pay around £10 million for his services next month.
Other suitors would prefer to wait until the summer when his contract expires for the summer and is available for nothing.
That could give Newcastle the perfect opportunity to swoop in and agree a deal for the defensive midfield player.
With their fresh funds, many had expected Newcastle to splash the cash straight from the off to improve their squad.
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But the club are wary of doing so and setting a dangerous precedent where they are constantly paying over the odds for signings.
Manager Eddie Howe wants to call upon Premier League experience for this season's relegation fight, but is a fan of Kamara and in favour of a move.
Newcastle recently hired Nicky Hammond as a transfer consultant and he is reportedly trying to do a deal for Reims' 20-year-old striker Bilal Toure.
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They have prioritised Atletico Madrid and England right-back Kieran Trippier as a top target, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reporting the club are waiting for an "official proposal" for Trippier.
Atleti apparently turned down a €14 million offer from Manchester United in the summer.
Featured Image Credit: Image: PATopics: Newcastle United, Marseille, Chelsea, Manchester United
