Napoli are understood to have further reduced their asking price for star centre back Kalidou Koulibaly, with Manchester City closely monitoring the situation.
Senegal international Koulibaly is often ranked as one of the world's best defenders and has been linked with a transfer away from Naples for some time - despite his love for the city. This summer it seems, the 29-year-old may finally move after years of speculation.
90min revealed last month that Gli Azzurri had significantly reduced their asking price from £120m to £75m, with the club keen to fund their proposed move for of Lille forward Victor Osimhen.
However, with Kouliably set to turn 30 in less than a year’s time and no bids seemingly forthcoming for the centre-back, the Daily Mirror claim that Napoli have further reduced their asking price to £65m – almost half the original proposed fee.
The news will no doubt further intensify speculation that Kouliably could be set to grace the Premier League next season, with Manchester City the club most strongly linked.
Pep Guardiola’s desire to bring defensive reinforcements to the Etihad Stadium has long been reported, with both John Stones and Nicolas Otamendi enduring tough spells at the club.
Former Barcelona man Eric Garcia appears to be Guardiola’s current preferred centre-back choice alongside Aymeric Laporte, though the Spanish tactician will be keen to bring in an experienced defender as they look to bridge the gap on runaway title winners Liverpool.
Liverpool have previously been tipped to move for Koulibaly but that seems much less likely this summer, given the defender's age and cost - even with the price reduction.
Should a deal for the Napoli man fail to materialise, 90min revealed recently that Inter defender Milan Skriniar could be viewed as potential alternative for City.
The Italian giants have slapped an £85m price tag on the Slovankia international - £20m more than Koulibaly – though at just 25 years of age the Inter man could represent better value for money.
Skriniar has been a key part of an Inter side boasting the best defensive record in Serie A this season. The Nerazzurri have shipped just 34 goals in the league and had looked set for a strong title tilt, though some recent patchy form has since them drop into fourth position.
Source : 90min