Manchester City, Manchester United 'to battle for Kalidou Koulibaly'

Manchester City and Manchester United are reportedly prepared to battle it out for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly this summer.

The Senegal international was linked with a move to the Premier League all summer long last year, but clubs refused to fork out Napoli's £80m asking price and he remained in Serie A.

Koulibaly has struggled with injuries and coronavirus for a portion of the 2020-21 campaign, but he has remained an integral player in Gennaro Gattuso's side, making 37 appearances and scoring one goal in all competitions.

The centre-back's existing deal is due to run out in 2023, and according to Gazzetta dello Sport, both Man City and Man United are aiming to strike a cut-price deal for Koulibaly this summer.

With Napoli still reeling from the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the report states that a bid of €50m (£43.2m) could be enough to prise the 29-year-old away from Naples in the upcoming window.

Barcelona are also said to be keeping a close eye on developments surrounding the future of Koulibaly, who has also been tipped to complete a move to either Everton or Liverpool.