Report: Newcastle want Kalidou Koulibaly, but may need to offer £55m

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Newcastle United want Kalidou Koulibaly, with Mundo Deportivo reporting that the Magpies are amongst a host of clubs keen on the Napoli centre-back this summer.

Koulibaly has long been considered one of the best defenders playing in Europe. He has now made well over 300 appearances for Napoli.

But he may get the chance to leave Stadio Diego Armando Maradona this summer. He has one year left on his contract and is not planning to sign another. And the Serie A side does not rule out a sale, with an offer of at least £55 million likely to be considered.

There are plenty of sides keen on Koulibaly. Mundo Deportivo reports that Barcelona, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain in the running. Meanwhile, Newcastle and Aston Villa also have their eye on the 30-year-old.

Newcastle want Koulibaly

Koulibaly was linked with Newcastle before their takeover was completed. But of course, Magpies fans saw their club linked with almost every high-profile player around in those months.

This summer appears to be a genuine opportunity for the Senegal international to leave. And Newcastle obviously have the means to compete with most.

Newcastle did some brilliant business in January. The likes of Kieran Trippier and Bruno Guimaraes played key roles in keeping Eddie Howe’s men in the Premier League.

The fans will hope for more of the same this summer. And Koulibaly would excite many. He has been outstanding for a long time. Pepe Reina previously labelled him ‘extraordinary‘.

Obviously, the asking price is still very high. He will likely be a free agent next summer.

But he would certainly be a statement signing if Newcastle brought him in. It seems that they are in the mix for his signature in this window.