Transfer Centre

Kalidou Koulibaly 'to push for Manchester United move'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 12 January 2019

Kalidou Koulibaly is reportedly open to the idea of joining Manchester United from Napoli after growing disillusioned by the racist nature of football in Italy.

Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly will reportedly attempt to force his way out of the club in order to join Manchester United.

The 27-year-old is believed to be a target for both the Red Devils and Real Madrid, despite Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis ruling out a sale.

Laurentiis claimed earlier this season that a £95m bid from United was turned down during Jose Mourinho's time in charge, but the Premier League side's interest remains solid.

According to The Mirror, United may be helped in their pursuit of Koulibaly as he now wants out of the Stadio San Paolo after being targeted by racist chants during his side's 1-0 defeat at Inter Milan on Boxing Day.

The racism row has escalated, with right-wing politician Matteo Salvini saying that the Senegal international was wrong to suggest he and his teammates have the right to leave the field if he is subjected to more verbal abuse from the stands because of the colour of his skin.

Koulibaly is rumoured to be more open to a move to Old Trafford than before, and it is claimed that United may now go all out to land their top defensive target.