Manchester United’s hopes of signing Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly have been boosted after his agent admitted he would listen to offers to play on an ‘important stage’. The Senegal defender tops United’s wishlist for this summer’s transfer window and the club have set aside around £100m to address their problems at centre-back. Koulibaly, 27, signed a new long-term deal in Naples last summer and the Serie A giants are likely to demand in excess of £90m to let their star man go. Nevertheless, Koulibaly is said to be keen on a move to Old Trafford and his agent has boosted the Red Devils’ chances of landing him by ruling out a move to Juve.
‘Koulibaly at Juventus? He’s very close to Napoli, the club and above all to the city,’ Bruno Satin told Radio Kiss Kiss. ‘I don’t think he would ever betray them to go to Juventus, but let’s not forget that they are professional players. ‘If you have the chance to play on important stages, you listen, even if I repeat he is very close to Napoli.’
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has improved United’s defensive record since being appointed caretaker boss but the club’s shortcomings at the back were exposed by Paris Saint-Germain at Old Trafford earlier this month. The Norwegian is increasingly likely to be handed the permanent role as United’s boss and has been included in discussions about the club’s transfer plans, in an indication that the role is as good as his.
