Werder Bremen defender Karim Coulibaly has been linked with Newcastle United(Image: Getty Images)

Werder Bremen are braced for firm transfer interest in defender hot prospect Karim Coulibaly, with Newcastle United said to be one of several clubs pursuing the 18-year-old.

The Magpies are looking for defensive reinforcements this summer, with reports in Germany naming Newcastle among the clubs weighing up a move.

Chelsea, Napoli, Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain are said to be keeping tabs on Germany U21 international Coulibaly, who has impressed in the Bundesliga for Bremen this season.

The German outfit are aware of interest in the young defender, although head of first-team football Peter Niemeyer insists it is not certain that he will leave.

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“We are aware that there is movement regarding this personnel matter, but there is currently no indication of what the next steps might be or whether this will already happen in the summer," he told Kicker.

“It is, of course, clear that a player with this...