Cheick Keita has reportedly been subject to interest from clubs in Italy and Spain following his season out on loan at Bologna.
The left-back signed for £2m from Virtus Entella in January 2017 but has played just 11 times for the Blues since his arrival.
Fans on Twitter are hoping that the 22-year-old stays:
No give him a chance he’s a talent better with us than elsewhere
— David (@ozzybcfc) 11 June 2018
would love to see him on the wing, just dont see it happening tho
— jack. (@jackmbcfc) 11 June 2018
We should be keeping him here he is s real talent and would save having to buy Pedersen and if we let him go can see us regretting it
— ????????????????????????stblues???????????????????????? (@Bustervessels) 11 June 2018
I think we should give him a bit of pre season at least. What’s the harm. He has the talent and we have him as our player to see if he can fulfill it.
— Jim Condon! (@Jimismyname) 11 June 2018
He needs to play on the wing for blues give him a chance
— Hickey (@JackHickstar) 11 June 2018
A defender that can’t defend – get rid
— Tom Jones (@TomJones1875) 11 June 2018
He’s a good young player and for me is more a LW with his pace and skill would like to see monk give him a couple of games and think he would do well under Monks stewardship
— Stuart (@Stuart14519361) 11 June 2018
Sell him he’s a left back that can’t defend get 2 mil and put it towards a striker we lack goals up top
— Joe Vry (@JoeVrysta) 11 June 2018
Guys a five a side player ship him out if we can recoup any kind of fee he is not built for the riggers of English championship
— Smithy (@deansmith1975) 11 June 2018
Deffo keep him
— des butler (@zuluboys2015) 11 June 2018
Verdict:
Keita was allowed to move to Serie A at the beginning of the season by Harry Redknapp, but he played just three times during his spell in Italy.
Yet, it seems his reputation is such that he still remains a sought-after young player. Perhaps Garry Monk should give him a chance to impress in pre-season at least before making a firm decision on his future.
He could do a job for us further up the pitch and also provide cover at left back if need be. Whether he’ll be given that opportunity, we’ll have to wait and see.