Newcastle reportedly in talks with player that has a lot to owe Rafa Benitez

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Newcastle United are reportedly in talks to sign Napoli colossus Kalidou Koulibaly this summer – and the defender has claimed that he has Rafa Benitez to thank for making him the player he is today.

Koulibaly, 28, is regarded as one of the best central defenders in European football at the moment – starring in Napoli’s unbeaten Champions League campaign this season. Composed on the ball, but tough in the tackle, many are after Koulibaly.

French outlet Foot Mercato have claimed that Newcastle have now joined the race for the Senegalese star, with the report claiming that the Toon’s potential new owners are likely to splash plenty of cash on new players.

The Toon have made contact with the Serie A side over a move for Koulibaly, who could cost a whopping £70million. The African powerhouse is also being eyed by the likes of Everton and Chelsea.

But there might be a way in which Newcastle can lure Koulibaly to Tyneside. That is because Koulibaly has claimed his former Newcastle boss Benitez is the man that has moulded the player he is today – thanks to Benitez’s meticulous tactical genius.

“He shows me this other video. Very boring. Normal plays. He’s smiling and he says, ‘Yes! This is good. This is very good,” Koulibaly was quoted as saying by Football Italia. “I say, ‘But, sir, these are simple plays.’ He says, ‘Yes, Kouli, exactly.’

“This says everything about my experience here. When I arrived in Italy, I was a boy. I became a better footballer, because I learned top-level tactics. They are so meticulous with the tactics here.”

TBR’s view – Bringing Benitez back could aid Koulibaly move

Newcastle have shortlisted Benitez as one of four potential managers to take over from Steve Bruce, as the reported takeover edges closer. Benitez left last summer to take over at Dalian Yifang, but Newcastle could move, as per ESPN.

Though Newcastle are hardly short of central defenders, Koulibaly is a player that if available and the green light is on, you have got to sign at all costs. Koulibaly would take Newcastle to the next level and under Benitez, he could consider a move.