Liverpool
Liverpool looking to Man Utd after opening talks with agent of £98m-rated star
Liverpool and Man Utd could be set for a transfer battle over Kalidou Koulibaly after the Merseysiders opened talks with the Napoli centre-backs agent
Managers are working hard trying to strengthen their squads during the summer transfer window so we’ll bring you all the latest news and gossip from around the globe. Today, Liverpool are linked with Kalidou Koulibaly…
Liverpool and Manchester United could be set for a transfer battle over Kalidou Koulibaly after the Merseysiders opened talks with the Napoli centre-back’s agent, according to reports in Italy via the Daily Star.
Koulibaly has developed into one of the best defenders in world football since joining Napoli from Genk in 2014 with his impressive performances at the back attracting admirers from several top clubs.
Man Utd have long been linked with the Senegalese international and Corriere dello Sport, via the Metro, reported earlier this month that the Manchester giants were lining-up an £84m offer for his services.
Ole Gunner Solskjaer is expected to strengthen his defence after United conceded 54 Premier League goals last season and Koulibaly would be a huge upgrade on the likes of Chris Smalling and Phil Jones if they could pull-off a deal.
However, it looks like United could face stiff competition as the Daily Star are carrying a report from Il Matino that claims Liverpool have now made contact with Koulibaly’s agent Fali Ramadani to discuss a potential move to Anfield.
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Napoli are obviously desperate to keep hold of the player – who turns 28 tomorrow – and the Italian publication suggests the Serie A outfit would demand a fee of at least £98m [€110m] in order to cash-in this summer.
That would represent a world record fee for a defender as it would smash the £75m Liverpool paid Southampton for Virgil van Dijk but Jurgen Klopp would have a formidable defence if he could pair Koulibaly alongside the Dutch superstar.
Dejan Lovren has been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer and while Liverpool have Joe Gomez and Joel Matip also competing for a place alongside van Dijk, Koulibaly would be an upgrade on any of them.
READ–> Liverpool transfer news | Man Utd transfer news
The defender is currently preparing for the African Cup of Nations and Liverpool fans will be hoping compatriot Sadio Mane will be doing his best to persuade Koulibaly to opt for a move to Anfield over Old Trafford if he does come to England this summer.
