Liverpool are reportedly keen on Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly in action against Chievo
According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool are eyeing Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly as they eye up a new centre back for the summer transfer window.
After years of problems at the back, the Reds moved to bring in centre backs Joel Matip and Ragnar Klavan from Schalke and Augsburg respectively last summer, but manager Jurgen Klopp may still want another centre back.
With Mamadou Sakho completely frozen out at Anfield, the Frenchman has been loaned out to Crystal Palace, where his impressive performances appear to be attracting interest ahead of the summer transfer window.
The Daily Mail claim that Roma have joined the race for Sakho’s signature, and Liverpool want £30millon for his signature in order to fund other moves this summer.
It’s stated that manager Klopp wants to land a big centre back in his place, with Southampton’s Virgil van Dijk a known target, whilst Liverpool are also believed to be keen on Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly.
Koulibaly, 25, joined Napoli from Belgian side Genk in 2014, with ex-Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez luring him to Italy despite being something of an unknown at the time.
Juventus’ Sami Khedira in action against Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly
Now, the former Metz man is one of the top centre backs in Serie A, whilst his performances have also earned him 11 caps with the Senegal national team.
Tall, strong, quick and good on the ball, Koulibaly is a great option for Liverpool, but the £30million for Sakho wouldn’t be enough to land him, with Napoli set to hold out for much more this summer.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis told Sky Sports in October 2016 as saying that Chelsea offered up to £58million for Koulibaly last summer, meaning Liverpool may have to find some more funds if they want to land the centre back this summer.
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