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Manchester United could be one step closer to the signing of Kalidou Koulibaly.
The Napoli defender has been on his shopping list for a long time, but the Italian club has retained its star man.
But now Samuel Umtiti is on their radar as they target the World Cup winner as Koulibaly’s replacement.
Barcelona has been contacted by the Serie A team according to SPORT, as they evaluate its availability.
Umtiti is under contract until 2023 at the Camp Nou, but by no means is he a regular.
That may allow Napoli to rush if they lose the Senegalese international who has told club president Aurelio De Laurentiis that he is ready to leave if his assessment is met.
(Image: REUTERS)
Koulibaly has been a crucial player at Stadio San Paolo since joining in 2014.
But those performances have drawn admiring glances from across Europe with PSG also interested.
United spent a world record amount on a defender when they signed Harry Maguire last summer with Leicester.
But scoring goals has still been a problem for Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and he is ready to dive back into the market.
Landing Koulibaly would be an important statement of intent for those at Old Trafford who are looking for a return to the top.
(Image: Getty Images)
United have reaped the rewards of Bruno Fernandes’ landing in January despite largely targeting local talent in Manchester.
That transfer policy is behind his interest in Jadon Sancho, of Borussia Dortmund.
The former Manchester City youth is ready to move forward in the coming months with United among those at the forefront of the line.
Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish is also a target due to his struggling side performances.
If Dean Smith’s team were to be relegated, his employer would surely go ahead.
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