La Liga giants Atletico Madrid have entered the race to sign Lazio starlet Keita Balde.
The 21-year-old has been a regular starter under Stefano Pioli this season and has scored four goals in 24 Serie A appearances, creating another two goals in the process.
Nevertheless, Spanish media outlet AS allege that Atletico Madrid are keen to reinforce their offensive stocks and have identified Keita as a potential target.
As a result, coach Diego Simeone will be forced to battle against cross-town rivals Real Madrid for the youngster’s signature with Los Blancos said to have been interested in the Senegalese native last summer.
However, the sacking of manager Rafael Benitez has put the Rojiblancos in the box seat to sign Keita should they follow through on their reported interest when the transfer window reopens in the summer.
Keita began his youth career at Damm before spending seven years in Barcelona’s famed La Masia youth academy.
The Catalonia international opted not to return to the Camp Nou side after being forced to leave on loan to satellite club Cornella as punishment for playing a prank on a teammate while on tour in Qatar in 2010.
Keita subsequently signed for Lazio in 2011 and has since made 70 Serie A appearances for the club.
