Ed Woodward Holds Meeting To Discuss Record January Transfer

Manchester United reportedly met with Napoli to discuss the potential transfer of Kalidou Koulibaly.

Since joining Napoli back in 2014, Koulibaly has developed into a phenomenal player, and is currently one of the most in-demand centre-backs in world football.

The 27-year-old is on the radar of every major European powerhouse, with Premier League giants Manchester United also among his long list of suitors.

Red Devils’ boss Jose Mourinho has been eager to bring in a central defender for quite some time. In fact, he did pursue several options in the summer, but the club failed to deliver each and every one of his targets.

Thanks to their failures in the summer window, Manchester United have suffered at the back this season, having leaked in a plethora of goals.

But this very fact has convinced the club hierarchy to back Mourinho in his pursuit of defensive signings, and the Portuguese appears adamant on securing the services of Koulibaly come January.

As per the latest report from The Times, Manchester United recently met with Napoli to discuss a potential Koulibaly deal. But the Serie A giants, who have no intention of losing their star midway through the season, ended up quoting a price north of £90m.

This valuation is likely to be received as a huge blow by the Portuguese tactician, as his club is unlikely to shell out that high an amount for a defender.

Further, the fact that a lot of Mourinho’s signings have failed to impress at Old Trafford, coupled with his own future at the club being doubtful, could very well lead the United board to veto this deal and pursue other younger and cheaper alternatives.