Manchester United still interested in Kalidou Koulibaly

December 25, 2019

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Manchester United still interested in Kalidou Koulibaly — © Bildbyrån

United brought Maguire in the summer.

Now, they are already lining up his replacement.

Manchester United is allegedly contemplating a January offer for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly. While the Senegal international has been linked with a switch to Old Trafford in the past, Napoli has always rejected any interest. However, according to reports in England, the center-back has told his club of his desire to leave at the beginning of 2020, and United have made contact with the Serie A outfit about putting together a proposal for the player.

According to The Express, United have not given up their pursuit of Kalidou Koulibaly, who was linked with the Red Devils for a long time before they decided to go for Harry Maguire instead. However, the shaky form of the centre back has forced manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to look for a backup, and that might just come in the form of the Napoli star, who could come for cheaper than Maguire did.

“It’s my information that Koulibaly has informed Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis of his desire to leave the club in January,” transfer expert Ian McGarry told Reach plc’s Transfer Window Podcast. “This has been an ongoing situation, but with the departure of Ancelotti who he was very close to, has brought the issue to a head.

“Koulibaly is now seeking a move away from Serie A. This has begun an option process led by Carlo Ancelotti at Everton who sees weaknesses in the Everton back line. But probably just as interesting, especially given their current form at the back, is Manchester United have made contact with Napoli regarding Koulibaly and the price Napoli are asking.

“This tells us two things. One: Manchester United have decided finally that Lindelof and Maguire are not as dependable as Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would prefer. I think we saw that in the Watford game at the weekend, when Maguire was beaten once again in an aerial challenge which led to the first goal. Interesting, also, that Koulibaly’s valuation is in excess of €65million.