Newcastle scouts monitoring Sega Coulibaly

Newcastle scouts have been monitoring the progress of young French starlet Sega Coulibaly. The defender has also been linked with a move to Liverpool, but Newcastle are believed to be in pole position to secure a deal.

The defender has proved to be one of Ligue 1's most consistent defensive players and currently plays for Rennes.

Rennes have apparently quoted Newcastle a 5 million Euro price for Coulibaly and manager Alan Pardew is ready to spend big this summer to acquire the best talent available.

Rennes were believed to have told Liverpool that they would only sell if Liverpool would consider bringing Luis Alberto to Rennes on loan, but the player has already returned to his homeland on a loan deal.