MANCHESTER UNITED, Newcastle and Liverpool have been handed a massive transfer boost as Kalidou Koulibaly has reportedly “decided to leave Napoli at end of this season”.
The former Genk ace has evolved into one of the best defenders in the world since his 2014 move to the San Paolo – making 233 appearances for the Neapolitans.
Newcastle, Manchester United and Liverpool are all eyeing a summer swoop for Napoli star Kalidou KoulibalyCredit: Getty – Contributor
The Senegal star has long been linked with a move away from Serie A, and has previously hinted that he would prefer a switch to the Premier League out of the many options before him.
The 28-year-old has been in scintillating form this term, with 21 appearances across all competitions.
Now Italian outlet Gazzetta dello Sport have claimed that Koulibaly has made the decision to part ways with Napoli at the end of the season.
Before the coronavirus crisis the Senegal ace was on the market for £100million and Napoli are said to be refusing to accept offers of less than £90million for the 28-year-old.
It comes after they were forced to drop their initial price tag by £20m, but will budge no further.
Liverpool are reportedly in “pole position” to sign the centre-back and form an impenetrable defence with Virgil van Dijk.
This comes as a blow to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s long standing plans to partner the Senegal ace alongside Harry Maguire at centre-half.
United have persistently been linked with the 28-year-old in recent seasons without success and have been in constant contact with the Serie A side over the future of Koulibaly.
The Old Trafford boss is desperate to land another centre-back, despite having splashed out £85million Harry Maguire from Leicester City last summer.
Phil Jones is expected to leave Old Trafford in the summer, while Chris Smalling could make his loan spell at Roma permanent – should United sign Koulibaly.
Newcastle, Tottenham, Barcelona and Real Madrid have all been linked with making a move for the central defender.
The Toon- who are on the verge of a £300m Saudi buyout – have fixed their gazes firmly on Koulibaly as a summer target with the their wealthy new backers set to pour cash into transfer deals straight away.
However the takeover has hit a number of stumbling blocks with concerns raised over apparent human rights issues, links to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and now illegal black box streaming devices.
Kalidou Koulibaly receives a warm welcome as he returns to the neighbourhood where he grew up
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
