Liverpool’s hopes of signing Kalidou Koulibaly appear to be growing, with Le10 Sport reporting that the Premier League leaders are in pole position to sign the Napoli centre-back ahead of Newcastle United.
The Magpies may be about to become one of the richest clubs in world football thanks to the deep pockets of Saudi billionaire Mohammed Bin Salman, but that does not mean they are going to get their own way in the transfer market.
Le10 Sport claims that Newcastle are planning to offer Koulibaly a staggering, club-record £200,000-a-week contract.
What’s more, Sky Sports suggests that a £90 million defender who owes his rapid rise to former Napoli boss and Tyneside favourite Rafa Benitez would be open to the idea of becoming Newcastle’s first marquee signing of a bright new era.
But money isn’t everything.
A move to Liverpool – Champions League winners in 2019 and Premier League winners in 2020 (well, near enough) – would give Koulibaly the chance to sample the sweet taste of silver at the very top of the European game.
The Senegal international has only ever won two trophies in his career; the Belgian Cup with Genk and the Supercoppa Italiana.
Le10 Sport claims that Liverpool are Koulibaly’s most likey destination with various sources optimistic that a deal can be done despite interest from the money men at St James’ Park.
Newcastle still have a lot to do to reclaim their place amongst the elite.
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