Newcastle United and Liverpool are battling for Roma fullback Emerson Palmeiri.

TMW says Toon boss Rafa Benitez wants to sign the 23-year-old left-back when the transfer window opens next month.

Newcastle are on the hunt for reinforcements ahead of Amanda Staveley's takeover from Mike Ashley, and Palmieri has apparently been marked as a target to strengthen their backline.

Liverpool could yet battle Newcastle – and Juventus – for Palmieri's signature in January.

The defender remarked: “I've heard that clubs such as Inter Milan and Liverpool are seeking to sign me.

“But I am under contract with Roma. I'm flattered by stories such as these. However, I want to stay here in Rome. I am happy here."