Man Utd: Pundit discusses possiblity of signing Kalidou Koulibaly
Manchester City are ready to pull the plug on a move for Kalidou Koulibaly as Napoli stand firm on their £81.5million asking price. City have already bolstered their defensive options ahead of next season after signing Nathan Ake from Bournemouth.
But reports continue to link Pep Guardiola's side with a move for Koulibaly.
City were punished last year for not replacing Vincent Kompany as Guardiola was left with just three senior central defenders.
Eric Garcia emerged as a talent for the future at the end of the season, but the 19-year-old is expected to leave this summer after making it clear he wasn't going to sign a contract extension.
There have also been rumours that John Stones could be sold to help raise funds while Nicolas Otamendi will turn 33 in February.
It is claimed City are only prepared to offer as much as £63m though, leaving the two clubs far apart in terms of the final fee.
Koulibaly's agent, Fali Ramadani, has reportedly stepped in to warn Napoli that City could soon end all interest in signing the defender.
Koulibaly has long been linked with a big-money move to a top European side.
The Senegal international was Manchester United's first choice last summer.
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Man City have already signed Nathan Ake this summer (Image: GETTY)