Report: Newcastle tracking ‘absolutely exceptional’ £33m midfielder likened to Naby Keita

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Newcastle United broke their transfer record on Friday, bringing Alexander Isak to St James’ Park.

With less than a week remaining of the transfer window, there could yet be more business in store for the Magpies.

The Athletic has reported that Newcastle have added a midfielder to their wishlist following Jonjo Shelvey’s injury.

The 30-year-old is facing three months on the sidelines after undergoing hamstring surgery.

One of the midfielders apparently on Newcastle’s radar is RB Leipzig ace Amadou Haidara.

The Athletic claims the Magpies have been tracking the 24-year-old long-term.

Journalist Jacque Talbot has also reported on Newcastle’s purported interest in Haidara.

“All the requirements to follow in Naby Keita’s footsteps”

Haidara would be a great shout for Newcastle, an incredibly talented midfield dynamo boasting plenty of experience and silverware.

The Mali international has clocked up 114 appearances for RB Leipzig, 83 for Red Bull Salzburg and 32 caps for his country.

Haidara has also won seven trophies during his career, six of which have come at senior level.

He has a German Cup, three Austrian titles, two Austrian Cups and a UEFA Youth League title to his name.

The official Bundesliga website has lauded his ‘surging runs forward, a keen eye for goal and a willingness to get stuck into the tackle’.

They also shared quotes from some of his coaches, including Ralf Rangnick, who suggested he could be a future Naby Keita.

When Haidara joined Leipzig from Salzburg, Rangnick said: “We’re delighted to have signed Amadou.

“We’ve been following his progress in Salzburg as he’s developed into an absolutely exceptional player there.

“There aren’t many players his age with so much potential. He has all the requirements to follow in Naby Keita’s footsteps.”

In terms of price tag, The Mirror reported in January that Leipzig had verbally agreed a £33million deal with Manchester United.

Nothing came of the speculation – could Newcastle make the most of the Red Devils’ failure to sign him?