President compares reported Celtic and Newcastle target to Koulibaly, wants big fee

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Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero says Celtic, Newcastle and Southampton target Omar Colley won’t be leaving on the cheap, comparing him to Napoli powerhouse Kalidou Koulibaly while speaking to SampNews24.

It seems Aurelio de Laurentiis is not the only Serie A chief who makes even Daniel Levy look like a soft touch.

Ferrero, the movie magnate who spends many a top-flight fixture with a Samp scarf wrapped around his head, is never afraid to speak his mind.

And with the Gambian centre-back at the heart of a transfer tug-of-war, the Rome-born entrepreneur has picked the perfect time to remind Colley’s suitors he won’t be sold for a bargain fee.

“Why should I give him away? Do you know how much (Napoli owner) De Laurentiis is asking for the sale of Koulibaly?” Ferrero said.

Koulibaly, arguably the world’s finest centre-back at the moment, could also becomethe most expensive. De Laurentiis wants no less than £90 million, making it clear bids of £55 million will be tossed straight in the bin (Corriere dello Sport).

Not even Ferrero is suggesting Colley will command a similar figure, however, with Corriere claiming the well-travelled 27-year-old is worth £14 million.

That remains a hefty fee in these uncertain times.

Celtic, for example, would have to make Colley their most expensive signing of all time.