Newcastle United are set to sign Atalanta's Odilon Koussounou in the summer. Africa Foot.
The Magpies will be looking to improve their defense next season and will want to keep the centre-back on their radar.
The Ivory Coast international joins the Serie A team from Bayer Leverkusen, initially on loan in August 2024 and then permanently a year later.
He has established himself in Italy, playing 24 matches in all competitions this season. The defender missed Atalanta matches between December and January due to AFCON.
Newcastle United keen on Kosounou
His performances for both La Dea and the national team may have caught the attention of the Premier League.
The report only names Newcastle United, who are 'particularly interested' in the 25-year-old to strengthen their defence.
Kosounou moved to Europe when Hammarby IF signed him from ASEC Mimosas in 2019. Later that year, the Swedish side sold him to Club Brugge, which allowed him to join Bayer Leverkusen in 2021.
He has already experienced the Bundesliga and Serie A and played in the Champions League and Europa League. The defender was also part of the Ivory Coast team that won the 2023 AFCON.
Atalanta player ideal target for Magpies
Considering his experience and profile, Africa Foot claim he is an 'ideal candidate' for the Tyneside club. The report further adds that Eddie Howe's side see the Ivorian as a 'strategic addition' to add more quality to their defence.
Two months ago, Sports Witness Covered claims from Italy About Crystal Palace's interest in Africa. The Eagles were looking to him as a replacement for Marc Guéhi for the winter market.
Guéhi left Selhurst Park for Manchester City, while Crystal Palace or any other club could not sign Kosounou. Atalanta, who paid €20m to buy him, have refused to let him leave at least until the end of this season.
He has a contract until 2029 and Transfermarkt currently values him at €22m. Africa Foot state Kosounou is valued at €25m and Newcastle United could make a move in the next window.
If Newcastle United were to move, Atalanta could potentially request a higher fee.
