Senegal defender on Toon radar

Graham Carr and Alan Pardew will watch Anderlecht defender Cheikhou Kouyate once again – with Newcastle considering a move for the 22-year old.

Kouyate, who comes from Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse’s Senegal is part of the nation’s Olympics football team.

Newcastle have reportedly been tracking the versatile powerhouse for over a year – and have identified him as a potential target this summer.

Pardew has already said he’s looking for a central defender ahead of next season. Newcastle are in the race for FC Twente’s Brazilian Douglas, but have to wait until August 24th for the player to gain Dutch citizenship.

There is also interest in Douglas from Russia, and he is considering all options.

Five facts about Kouyate

It’s a rumour and we’re in the summer transfer window – so as always, the story has to be taken with a pinch of salt. Manchester City, Everton and Stoke City have also watched Kouyate in the past.

So, what do we know about this latest, reported target?

1) He’s a central defender who can also play as a holding midfielder.
2) He joined Brussels from local club in Dakar, before Anderlecht signed him in 2008.
3) He is 6 ft 4 inches tall, a towering defender.
4) He spent the 2008/09 season on loan at Kortkrijk.
5) He is contracted to the Belgians until June 2014 after signing new 4-year deal in 2010.

Have you seen Kouyate play? Is he a player you can see us signing? Comments welcome.