Kaliodou Koulibaly set for £70m Manchester United switch

by Graeme Jackson

Saturday Jun 16, 2018. 13:29

Senegal and Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly could make his way to Manchester United for a whopping £70m transfer fee.

Media reports in England suggest that United boss Jose Mourinho is keen to add another centre-back to his ranks this summer despite spending big on defenders in the past two years.

The Red Devils chief has eyed several options and Koulibaly is seemingly high on his wish list, as the Italian outlet TMW reports that United’s top brass are keen on the Napoli ace.

Although the Serie A outfit is demanding £70m for the 26-year-old, the deal is backed amid Eric Bailly doubt.

Bound to represent his country at the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the defender joined Napoli from Genk for just £6.5m in 2014 and has flourished into one of the best centre-backs in Europe.

Apart from being linked with a move to Chelsea in the past, United and Barcelona have joined the race, but Koulibaly is contracted to Napoli until June 2021.

According to an ESPN pundit and former Arsenal midfielder Stewart Robson, he believes Mourinho should look to land Koulibaly as Bailly hasn’t been good enough.

Bailly made a £30m move to Old Trafford from Villarreal in 2016, but Robson insists he is yet to perform at his best.

“Bailly hasn’t done it at Manchester United, seems to have fallen out of favour under Mourinho,” said Robson.

“I think he [Koulibaly] would certainly suit their style of play. I think he’s the right sort of defender for them.

“[Phil] Jones and [Chris] Smalling haven’t been quite good enough, Bailly has been out of favour. So [a Koulibaly deal] is a hit for me.”