The Red Devils are interested in signing Napoli’s central defender Kalidou Koulibaly and are said to be in contact with his agent Fali Ramadani, reports Area Napoli. The player’s representative reportedly expects United to offer around 35 million euros for the Senegalese whose contract in Naples expires next year.
The 30-year-old has attracted interests from other clubs as well with Chelsea and Barcelona, the front-runners to sign the player. However, it has now been reported that the agent of the player has also been in touch with Manchester United, who have struggled defensively this season despite Raphael Varane’s arrival last summer.
With the possible departure of Phil Jones and Eric Bailly, United would need a new central defender this summer, and incoming manager Erik ten Hag would be hopeful that the Red Devils sign a player of Koulibaly’s stature.
The arrival of Varane has stabilised United’s backline but skipper Harry Maguire has struggled in patches this season. Hence, the Dutchman would love to partner Koulibaly alongside Varane or Victor Lindelof in the heart of Red Devil’s defence.
Whilst, he may not be the youngest option that United are looking at, Koulibaly can be an asset for the Red Devils due to his volumes of experience and the leadership qualities that he brings to the table.
It is being reported that the veteran defender, who was part of the Senegal national team that won Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, has a huge admirer in ten Hag.
Meanwhile, contract talks between Napoli and the defender is not going as planned and hence Ramadani hopes United can bid in the region of 35 million for the Senegal international that may tempt Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis to sell the defender whose contract will expire in June 2023.
The defender has been in Naples since 2014 after arriving from KRC Genk and over the past eight seasons, he has established himself as one of the most sought after and reliable centre-backs across the continent. Despite being linked with an exit from Napoli almost all transfer windows, his price tag has prevented other clubs for making a move for the player.
