Newcastle target keen to make Roma switch

Newcastle target Massadio Haidara says he wants to join Roma rather than head to St James' Park.

The Nancy full-back has been linked with a switch to Newcastle, where he would join the growing French contingent under Alan Pardew.

But the 20-year-old says he would rather move to Serie A and he sees his future in Italy.

"I would prefer to move to Roma as I like the Italian league more," Haidara told tuttomercatoweb.com.

"Newcastle are a good team but I want to play in Italy. My agent has spoken to both teams, but I want to go to Italy."