Newcastle United interested in 29-year-old Republic of Ireland international

Newcastle United are interested in making a swoop for Derby County skipper Richard Keogh, according to reports from the Chronicle.

Newcastle United have been in the market to sign a new central defender for quite a while now and their pursuit of top target Grant Hanley has proven to be a largely frustrating one so far.

Blackburn have been haggling over the price for Hanley and as a result, Newcastle have been forced to look at targets elsewhere – with the likes of Fernando Amorebieta and Tom Lees being mentioned as targets for the Magpies.

Now according to reports from the Chronicle, Newcastle have also shortlisted Derby County skipper Richard Keogh as another target.

Keogh has been one of the most consistent defenders in the Championship over the past few years and he has proven to be crucial in helping Derby reach the playoffs during the last two seasons.

However, Keogh’s future at Pride Park is currently in doubt as he enters the final year of his contract and Newcastle are currently believed to be monitoring the situation of the Republic of Ireland international.