Manchester United target Kalidou Koulibaly seeking a fresh challenge

According to Italian publication Gazzetta dello Sport (h/t Daily Star), Manchester United have been handed a boost in their pursuit to sign Napoli ace Kalidou Koulibaly.

One of the best defenders in Europe, the Senegalese is keen to embark on a new challenge, be it in France or England.

United are a work in progress and have shown marked improvement over the past few months. We are still a few quality additions away from challenging at the top. The 28-year-old defender will be hard-pressed to find a more exciting project in either league today.

Interest in the player is high with the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur, Newcastle United, Real Madrid, and Barcelona all keen.

According to the report, Napoli will hold out for a fee close to €100million for the defender. If United do decide to meet the valuation, it will be the second time in two seasons that we will have broken the record for the most expensive defender. That distinction is held by captain Harry Maguire right now. (h/t Daily Star)

The Italians were adamant that the player wasn’t for sale. Their stance has considerably eased since. United’s interest goes back with the club having an earlier bid rejected.

The biggest threat is likely to come from arch-rivals Liverpool. The Merseysiders have offered Koulibaly a bumper pay package if he moves to Anfield.

United focussed on revamping their defence last summer. The signings of Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire have brought calmness and solidity to the backline. The addition of Koulibaly will further strengthen us at the rear.

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A strong defence gives us a solid base to build on. The addition of Koulibaly should potentially give us the best centre-back pairing in the league, at least on paper.