CalcioMercato report that Aston Villa have had a bid rejected for Napoli man Kalidou Koulibaly – while Newcastle are keen. Villa have since bought Diego Carlos, while Koulibaly is being strongly linked with Real Madrid.
Koulibaly, 30, is being linked with the exit door at Napoli once again this summer. But perhaps, this summer presents the biggest opportunity for Koulibaly to depart – with his contract at Napoli due to expire in June 2023.
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The 57-time Senegal international has numerous suitors after him. In Italy, Juventus, Inter Milan and Roma have all begun talks – with Napoli reducing his asking price to £30million. PSG and Real Madrid are front runners.
Barcelona, too, but they are unlikely to raise the cash necessary. Aston Villa have seen a bid rejected while Newcastle remain keen. Amanda Staveley and the Toon board made him an offer during their first takeover bid.
Villa have bid rejected for Koulibaly: Newcastle also keen
Villa have bought Carlos and that now rules Steven Gerrard’s side out of the running. But Newcastle could do with a centre-back, given they are likely to wave goodbye to Ciaran Clark and Federico Fernandez this summer.
Jamaal Lascelles, Fabian Schar and Dan Burn remain, but Eddie Howe will be keen for progression. Koulibaly is a man mountain and although in his thirties, he would be a mammoth signing. A potentially wonderful signing.
Especially, given Newcastle can get him for just £30million. With Financial Fairplay a concern and preventing them from spending freely, value for money is crucial and Koulibaly is certainly that, at £30million.
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