Newcastle want Emerson Palmieri from Roma with Rafa Benitez set to go up against old side Liverpool in January transfer window
The Brazilian left-back is finding it hard to displace Aleksandar Kolarov after returning from a long-term injury
NEWCASTLE have reportedly joined Liverpool in the race for Roma defender Emerson Palmieri.
claims Rafa Benitez wants to sign the 23-year-old left-back when the transfer window opens next month.
Newcastle are on the hunt for reinforcements ahead of Amanda Staveley’s takeover from Mike Ashley, and Palmieri has apparently been marked as a target to strengthen their backline.
The £22million-rated ace was born in Brazil but is eligible to play for Italy after arriving in the country three years ago.
He made 36 appearances for Roma last season, helping them to a second-place finish in Serie A.
But Palmieri has made just one appearance from the bench in the current campaign after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury last May.
New signing Aleksandar Kolarov has also impressed in his position after joining Roma from Manchester City.
And that led to strong interest from Liverpool, who could now battle Newcastle – and Juventus – for Palmieri’s signature in January.
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However, he insists he’s happy to stay in the Italian capital, saying: “I’ve heard that clubs such as Inter Milan and Liverpool are seeking to sign me.
“But I am under contract with Roma. I’m flattered by stories such as these. However, I want to stay here in Rome. I am happy here.”
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