Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe would be taking a 'big gamble' by luring Naby Keita to St James' Park as the Liverpool star's injury record is a 'potential red flag', according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.
The Magpies were not afraid to splash the cash during the summer transfer window, having parted with more than £120million, and there will be another opportunity to draft in reinforcements at the turn of the year.
GiveMeSport Transfer Verdict
What's the latest news involving Keita?
According to Italian media outlet Milan Live, Newcastle are among a number of clubs mulling over whether to make a move for Keita in the coming months.
The report suggests Premier League rivals West Ham United, along with AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund, are also keeping tabs on the 46-cap Guinea international's situation.
Newcastle could sign Keita as a free agent next summer or pay a cut-price fee in January as he will enter the final six months of his £130,000-per-week Liverpool contract at the turn of the year.
It is understood that the central midfielder was left unhappy after talks over an Anfield extension broke down in August.
Injuries have restricted Keita to just one appearance since the season got underway, with that coming in Liverpool's Community Shield win over Manchester City.
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What has Pete O'Rourke said about Keita?
O'Rourke believes Newcastle would be taking a major risk if they looked to win the race for Keita's signature.
The journalist feels the amount of time the former RB Leipzig man has spent on the sidelines during his career should result in the Tyneside giants looking at alternative options in the transfer market.
O'Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: "You've got to look at it as a big gamble. Obviously, Liverpool paid big money to sign Naby Keita a few years ago and Liverpool fans will argue that they've never seen the best of him because of his injuries.
"I think any club that's maybe looking to sign Naby Keita has got to be looking at his injury record as a potential red flag."
Would Keita be a good signing for Newcastle?
Keita has won an abundance of trophies during his career - including the Premier League and Champions League - but his injury record should not be overlooked.
The 27-year-old has missed more than 80 fixtures during his time with Liverpool, which must be of huge concern.
Although Keita could be signed without having to part with a transfer fee next summer, simply matching his current salary would result in him becoming the second-highest earner at Newcastle, with Kieran Trippier being the only star on a more lucrative contract.
Howe, who is approaching a year in the St James' Park dugout, would be better off turning his attentions elsewhere and recruiting a more reliable central midfielder.
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