Everton are being linked with Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly again.
Juventus’ Sami Khedira in action against Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly
According to Italian newspaper Il Mattino, Everton are returning with interest in Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly – though Chelsea appear to be backing off.
Koulibaly, 25, joined Napoli from Belgian side Genk back in the summer of 2014, with then-manager Rafael Benitez swooping to lure him to Italy.
Since making that move, Koulibaly has become one of the most impressive centre backs in world football, possessing great size, strength, pace and aerial ability, starring for Napoli in Serie A and in Europe.
Unsurprisingly, the Senegal international’s performances have triggered major interest, with Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis telling Sky Sports back in October that Chelsea failed with a huge £58million bid for the centre back last summer.
Kalidou Koulibaly in action for Napoli
Koulibaly has remained a key player under Maurizio Sarri, making 34 appearances in all competitions, but the Italians could be set for another summer of speculation over the defender’s future.
Italian newspaper Il Mattino report that Everton are again interested in Koulibaly, and whilst Chelsea have cooled their interest, the Toffees could make another move for Kouliably this summer.
Napoli Kalidou Koulibaly in action against Edin Dzeko of AS Roma
Everton shareholder Farhad Moshiri was quoted by the Liverpool Echo in November as saying that the Toffees did attempt to sign Koulibaly last summer, but Napoli wanted an astonishing £60million for his signature.
It seems unlikely that Napoli would be willing to reduce that asking price, but the rumours again suggest that Everton will be looking to spend big on a new centre back this summer having sold John Stones to Manchester City in 2016.
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