Manchester United are reportedly in touch with Napoli over a possible deal to sign Kalidou Koulibaly in the summer transfer window.
According to a report by Italian outlet Tuttosport, Manchester United are among the clubs that have been in constant contact with Napoli over the prospect of signing Kalidou Koulibaly in the summer transfer window. The 28-year-old defender is also being tailed by Manchester City and PSG.
Koulibaly has progressed leaps and bounds since joining Napoli from KRC Genk in the summer of 2014. After nearly six years at San Paolo, the Senegalese international has established himself as one of the best defenders in Italian football while also being regarded highly among centre-backs across Europe.
The 28-year-old has racked up nearly 250 appearances for Napoli, although he has been blighted with injury problems of late, restricting him to just 21 outings in all competitions this term. The player, though, continues to be rated as one of the elite centre-backs in the continent, with long-time suitors Manchester United after him.
Manchester United have been linked with Koulibaly for quite a few years now and there have even been suggestions that they could make a move for him once again this summer. The continued interest in the Napoli star is interesting, considering the impact Harry Maguire has made since joining United from Leicester City last summer.
In fact, such has been Maguire’s influence on the side that he has been promoted to the role of being the club captain as well by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Maguire, though, could perhaps do with a more consistent partner at the heart of the Manchester United defence, with Victor Lindelof not exactly performing at his best levels this season.
Eric Bailly is a fine alternative to Lindelof, but the Ivorian’s injury problems mean he might not be at Solskjaer’s disposal constantly. With that being said, Koulibaly could be a viable target for Manchester United, who have also been linked with Dayot Upamecano among other centre-backs in recent weeks.
Manchester United, though, will hope that his recent travails with injuries are only rare occurrences, if he is to become an asset for them. Nevertheless, Manchester United are one of three clubs that are in constant touch with Napoli over a summer move, as per Tuttosport.
The report also claims that Manchester City and PSG are the other suitors who are interested in the 28-year-old, meaning United could be in for a transfer battle for Koulibaly. Meanwhile, Napoli are hoping to raise around €130 million from the sales of Koulibaly as well as Arkadiusz Milik, but a separate valuation for the former has not been provided.
It now remains to be seen if Manchester United step up their interest in Koulibaly, if they do indeed hope to sign a centre-back this summer. With the player at the peak of his powers, this could be a move that transforms the Red Devils into genuine Premier League contenders.
