Manchester United are preparing a bid of £85million for Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly, according to reports in Italy.
Koulibaly has long been linked with a transfer to the Premier League, with Manchester United long-term admirers of the 27-year-old.
United have failed in bids to secure Koulibaly’s services as recently as last summer, but it appears the Red Devils may be pipped to the defender by their local rivals.
La Gazzetta dello Sport claim City want Koulibaly as a replacement for the departed Vincent Kompany, as per the instructions of Pep Guardiola.
The City boss would be prepared to spend £85m on Koulibaly, but it may be difficult to lure the Senegal international away from Italy.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has repeatedly insisted only a astronomical offer would see the club consider letting Koulibaly leave.
While City are poised to make their move for Koulibaly, Liverpool too have reportedly entered the race.
Liverpool have been in contact with the centre-back’s agent and asked about his availability, but are yet to decide whether to firm up their interest.
It seems any Premier League club who want to secure Koulibaly’s signature would need to pay a record fee to sign him.
The £75m Liverpool paid Southampton for Virgil van Dijk stands as the most any club has paid for a centre-back.
