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Man Utd transfer news: Mark Ogden makes Kalidou Koulibaly and Toby Alderweireld prediction
MANCHESTER UNITED’s number one defensive target is Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, claims ESPN’s Mark Ogden.
After failing to bring in a central defender last summer, Manchester United remain keen on strengthening at the back.
Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld was linked with a move in that window and remains a reported target.
However, Ogden says there is no chance Alderweireld will be becoming a United player this month.
The Belgian will be available for £25million at the end of the campaign due to a clause in his Spurs contract.
I think United’s target is Koulibaly of Napoli. I don’t think they will get him in January but I think he’s one for the summer
Ogden instead claims United would prefer Napoli’s Koulibaly, who impressed in the Champions League this season, and can see a deal happening this summer.
“No, definitely not,” Ogden said when asked if Alderweireld could leave Tottenham this month.
“They would have to pay a fee for him when they can get him for a much smaller fee in the summer.
“I think United’s target is Koulibaly of Napoli. I don’t think they will get him in January but I think he’s one for the summer.
“Alderweireld, I don’t think he’s had a great season to be honest.
“I think he’s shown his age a little bit and his injuries. So it would be a bad move for United I think.
“Koulibaly for me is just a cut above.
“I think he is the best defender that can be signed at the moment that’s out there.
“Yeah [he will be expensive] but they’ve got a lot of money, they can afford that.
“I think Koulibaly was excellent at Liverpool in that game. He had one half mistake when [Mohamed] Salah ghosted past him.
“He was immense that night and I think Koulibaly is the one that they want.
“They will have a bit of competition but I think he’s the guy they may end up with in the summer.”