Manchester United to break the bank for Koulibaly?

Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly (front) celebrates after scoring the 1-0 lead during the Italian Serie A soccer match between Juventus FC and SSC Napoli in Turin, Italy, 22 April 2018. EPA/ALESSANDRO DI MARCO

by Staff Reporter

Wednesday Nov 28, 2018. 17:00

According to reports, Manchester United have identified Kalidou Koulibaly as their main transfer target.

The Senegal international has been heavily linked with a move to both Chelsea and Manchester City in the past, but the Mirror report that Jose Mourinho is adamant on luring the centre-back to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils will have to fork out a reported £89 million if they are to sign Koulibaly which will break the current world-record fee for a defender.

Liverpool paid Southampton £75 million for Virgil van Djik earlier this year, but United could smash that mark with Napoli unlikely to let the 27-year-old, who is contracted until 2023, go for anything less.

United's defence has shipped 21 goals in 13 English Premier League games this season, an incredible 16 goals more than both Manchester City and Liverpool.

Koulibaly has accumulated 181 caps for Napoli who he joined from Genk four years ago. The burly defender has played every minute for the Italian club across all competitions this season.