Last Updated: Fri, 09 May 2008 09:16
Rafael Benitez is reportedly keen to sign Sevilla midfielder Seydou Keita if Aston Villa block Gareth Barry's path to Liverpool.
Juventus and Barcelona have also been linked to the 28-year-old Mali star who had a terrific first season in Spanish football, following his move from Lens last summer.
Keita would not come cheap after signing a four-year deal at the Sanchez Pizjuan, but Sevilla could be open to a deal if they fail to clinch a Champions League slot for next season.
Reports today claim a fee of £10million may be enough to capture Keita - roughly what Benitez was thinking of paying for Villa skipper Barry.
But there have been no developments in talks with Villa boss Martin O'Neill who is hoping to persuade Barry to stay by making some big-money transfer swoops of his own this summer.