Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Man Utd news: Latest Kalidou Koulibaly transfer update as United target defender
MANCHESTER UNITED won’t sign Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly this month, it has been claimed.
Man United: Douglas Costa 'not consistent enough' says Nicol
The Senegal international was one of Jose Mourinho’s primary defensive targets last year.
However, United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward didn’t give the Portuguese the funds he wanted to strengthen his squad, which meant a formal bid for Koulibaly never materliased.
United are reportedly still interested in signing the 27-year-old and said to be willing to shatter the world-record fee for a defender to acquire his services.
It’s been claimed the Red Devils are willing to fork out a whopping £90million to land the former Genk man, who has been at the heart of Napoli’s defence since 2014.
I think in January there’s no formula that he’s gone and if I have to bet now, I bet he stays next season too
But according to Italian journalist David Amoyal, Napoli have no intention of parting company with their coveted defender.
“Look, a lot can change in the summer, Koulibaly’s now right smack in the prime of his career,” he said during the latest episode of The Calcioland Podcast. “I think in the summer, there’s probably no better time to sell, let’s see what happens.
“But I think in January there’s no formula that he’s gone and if I have to bet now, I bet he stays next season too.”
United have been linked with a slew of players in recent weeks, despite not having a permanent manager.
Caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer seemingly ruled out the prospect of bringing in any reinforcements this month after United’s 2-0 FA Cup win over Reading on Saturday.
“I don’t expect anyone to come in,” the Norwegian said. “Obviously if the club have targeted and identified a few and I think they might fit here then I’ll give my thumbs up.
“But it’s not just my decision. I’m happy with the squad I’ve got.”
United return to action on Saturday afternoon when they travel to Wembley to take on third-placed Tottenham.