Napoli 'keen to ward off Barcelona interest in Kalidou Koulibaly'

Napoli are reportedly ready to fight to retain the services of Kalidou Koulibaly, who is said to be a transfer target of Barcelona.

With Koulibaly due to turn 31 years of age in the summer, it has been suggested that Napoli will be open to cashing in on the long-serving Senegal international.

The centre-back could also, in theory, be happy to take on a fresh challenge, aware that it may be his last opportunity to move to another big club.

However, according to Tuttomercatoweb, Napoli are happy to hand Koulibaly a pay-rise in order to retain his services in the long term.

The report says that the Serie A leaders do not expect Koulibaly to accept a new deal without his importance to the squad being recognised by the powers-that-be.

Koulibaly has helped his team to the best defensive record in Italy's top flight this season, conceding just 19 goals from 27 matches.

Barcelona are allegedly prepared to spend as much as €40m (£33.39m) to sign the player during the summer.