Liverpool enlist Mane help to convince ‘dream’ target to make Anfield move

Kalidou Koulibaly

Liverpool have not given up in their pursuit of Kalidou Koulibaly despite the player agreeing terms with Manchester City, according to reports.

Koulibaly has proven himself as one of the best defenders in the world during his time at Napoli, but that spell could soon be coming to an end.

The Serie A side were willing to sell him for the right price before their season began. And while such a deadline has now passed, he continues to be linked with an exit.

Manchester City have been pursuing Koulibaly, but negotiations with Napoli have proven difficult. That’s because the two clubs have not been communicating directly after their relationship soured when Jorginho left the Italian side for Chelsea instead of City two years ago.

Despite City agreeing personal terms with the Senegal international, they have been reluctant to meet Napoli’s asking price. Therefore, they have also considered other targets.

City’s hesitation could have opened up opportunities for other teams to sneak in for Koulibaly. Paris Saint-Germain have a long-term interest in the player, for example, while one pundit has urged Manchester United to make a move.

Covering PSG’s pursuit of the player, Le Parisien report that Koulibaly is not close to joining the French champions. Instead, he wants to join City.

 

LIVERPOOL DREAMING OF KOULIBALY

However, there is another Premier League rival for his signature. The report adds that Liverpool are still dreaming of partnering Koulibaly next to Virgil van Dijk.

Koulibaly is an international teammate of Sadio Mane, whom Liverpool will ask to try and convince the 29-year-old.

Napoli want a permanent sale of Koulibaly rather than a loan if they are to let him go, but PSG could not afford such a deal.

Therefore, there could be a chance for Liverpool to continue their late flourish in the transfer market, having added Thiago Alcantara and Diogo Jota in recent weeks.