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

Napoli 'keen to ward off Barca interest in Koulibaly'
© Reuters
Napoli are reportedly prepared to offer a pay-rise to Kalidou Koulibaly in order to fend off interest from Barcelona.

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.

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Written by
Darren Plant

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Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly pictured in October 2020
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Barcelona17122350193138
2Real Madrid16113234132136
3Atletico MadridAtletico16105130111935
4Athletic Bilbao1795326151132
5Villarreal157532725226
6Real Sociedad167361611524
7Osasuna166642225-324
8Mallorca177371620-424
9GironaGirona166462223-122
10Celta Vigo166372527-221
11Real BetisBetis165651820-221
12Rayo Vallecano155461516-119
13Sevilla165471723-619
14Las PalmasLas Palmas165382227-518
15Getafe163761113-216
16AlavesAlaves164391827-915
17Leganes163671423-915
18Espanyol1541101528-1313
19Real ValladolidValladolid1733111234-2212
20Valencia152491323-1010


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