Man Utd transfer target Kalidou Koulibaly "on the market" confirms Napoli chief

Luciano Spalletti said he had "never worked with anyone so good" as Koulibaly - but admitted he could be sold with Manchester United yet to strike a deal for Raphael Varane

Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti has confirmed that Kalidou Koulibaly is "on the market" as Manchester United's search for a centre-half continues.

Koulibaly has been on United's radar for several seasons, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer still trying to find a top-class defensive partner for Harry Maguire.

After Jadon Sancho signed this week, Raphael Varane is believed to be the Red Devils' next transfer target - but the Premier League giants have yet to agree a fee with Real Madrid for the centre-half.

And that could put Koulibaly back in the picture - especially after his manager confirmed he could be sold.

Spalletti said he had "never worked with anyone so good" as the Senegal defender, who has also been linked with Liverpool and Arsenal in the past.

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Kalidou Koulibaly has regularly been linked with a move to Manchester United

And he said he would "chain" himself to keep hold of the 30-year-old - while admitting he may have to admit defeat.

“I want to chain myself for all the players, as I’ve already said that I will be very happy if the squad remains as it is,” said the Napoli boss, quoted by Football Italia.

“I only named Koulibaly because he’s on the market, but I’d like him to stay. I have never worked with anyone so good, not just as a player, but also as a man.”

Koulibaly has two years left on his contract, meaning this summer's transfer window is likely to be Napoli's best chance of cashing in on the centre-half.

But it has been reported that Napoli are unwilling to sell the defender for less than €65million (£55m).

That is even more than Madrid want for Varane, with the La Liga giants hoping to rake in £50m for the France star.

United have reached a full agreement with the 28-year-old, but still need to strike a deal with Madrid over the transfer fee, according to Spanish outlet AS.

With Varane having entered the final year of his contract at the Bernabeu, Carlo Ancelotti's side risk losing him for nothing next summer if a deal can't be agreed with United ahead of the new campaign.

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