Reports : Manchester United keen on signing Serie A superstar in January

What's the story?

According to the reputed media outlet, Mirror, Manchester United are considering an immediate move for Kalidou Koulibaly. Koulibaly has been the stand-out player for Serie A side Napoli so far this season and will end the defensive struggles of Manchester United.

The Red Devils would like to force the transfer in January in order to avoid competition from other clubs but the player is already in demand and United would face tough competitions from top European clubs. According to reports, this move would also be an escape for the superstar defender who was subjected to racism in Italy.

In case you didn't know..

Kalidou Koulibaly has been the most integral part of Napoli's defence this season. The 27-year-old Senegal defender's impact is insane as Napoli are 2nd in the Serie A with 44 points, nine points behind league leaders Juventus and conceded just 17 goals in 19 games in the league.

Koulibaly was also the main reason why Napoli held the mighty Paris Saint Germain in both legs in the group stages of Champions League. It was unfortunate how Napoli failed to qualify to the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League but Koulibaly's brave display in the group of death attracted wide attention.

The heart of the matter

Despite his staggering performances with current club Napoli, Koulibaly was subjected to immense racism throughout the season.

The centre-back was sent off after being targeted by monkey chants when Napoli were beaten 1-0 at Inter Milan in December 2018. Napoli coach Carlo Ancelotti gave his players total backing when Koulibaly threatened to walk off the pitch if there was any repeat of the problem.

Although superstars like Cristiano Ronaldo and other Serie A players showed their support to the player, Koulibaly was bound to be devastated after Serie A offered little protection to him against racism.

Rumour rating/probability: 6/10

With Koulibaly reportedly seeking an escape and Manchester United desperately looking for a defender, the Old Trafford board will try their best to secure the services of the player, according to Sunday Mirror.

What's next?

There is no doubt that both Kalidou Koulibaly will be an asset to any team he goes but it remains to be seen whether Napoli will let go of his services due to the importance of the player.

Napoli’s outspoken chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis will drive a hard bargain and already dismissed any reports regarding his star player leaving the club in the winter transfer window. It will be extremely tough for Manchester United to get their hands on their long term target but they will desperate not to repeat past mistakes in the transfer window.