Man Utd would have Koulibaly in a heartbeat says Burley
Manchester United boss Solskjaer entered the summer transfer window with Koulibaly among his priorities.
The Senegal international has flourished for Napoli in recent years and has been tipped to leave the Serie A giants in order to win titles elsewhere.
Manchester United have been considered frontrunners in the race for the player’s signature, despite the likes of Real Madrid, Manchester City and Barcelona also being linked.
Solskjaer is well-aware he needs a centre-back despite having Phil Jones, Marcos Rojo, Eric Bailly, Chris Smalling, Axel Tuanzebe and Victor Lindelof on the books.
Man Utd boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer no longer wants Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly (Image: GETTY)
Man Utd now want Harry Maguire over Napoli powerhouse Kalidou Koulibaly (Image: GETTY)
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Jose Mourinho told the United hierarchy to break the bank for Maguire 12 months ago, shortly after the centre-back thrived for England at the World Cup in Russia.
But Ed Woodward said no, believing Maguire’s price tag to be too high.
A year on, and United are now confident of winning the race for the 26-year-old - despite City’s interest.
But whether they are able to right the wrongs of a year ago remains to be seen.
Former United captain Gary Neville, meanwhile, has opened up on Maguire by saying: “It’s difficult to do business, it’s not easy.
“Everyone knows Manchester United want players and price tags will go up. You’ve got to try and encourage players to come to the club.
“Players don’t just jump to sign for any club – they do their homework and get their agents to get to work.
“They probably have 50 meetings before they sign for a club nowadays.
“Manchester United will be in the pit with the rest of the sharks looking for the big signings.
“It’s difficult for all clubs they all want the same players. They all want Harry Maguire, every single club wants him. Everybody wants Christian Eriksen.”