Newcastle join Man Utd in £70m Koulibaly race with Napoli defender ‘interested’ in transfer if takeover goes through
NEWCASTLE have reportedly joined Manchester United and Liverpool in the race for Napoli ace Kalidou Koulibaly.
Football Italia claims Toon want the Senegal international to be their new star defender if their controversial Saudi takeover is completed, with the player also keen,
Newcastle have joined the race for Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly
Newcastle are on the verge of a £300m buyout, potentially paving the way for a huge influx of cash for a squad overhaul.
Ex-Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino is already favourite to take over from Steve Bruce.
And it appears Newcastle’s new owners already have their gazes fixed firmly on 28-year-old Koulibaly.
The giant centre-back is in his sixth season at Napoli and has clocked up a whopping 233 appearances.
He has long been linked with a move to England, and Man United are understood to retain an interest in his services.
Most recently, Liverpool have been tipped to make a bid for the £70million-rated defender.
But it could be Newcastle who win the race for his signature should they welcome new owners to St James’ Park.
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However, it’s reckoned the takeover is being put on hold with the Premier League feeling “abandoned” by the government for having to rule on such a morally and politically perilous decision.
Civil rights activists have called on league bosses to veto the takeover while broadcasters have also raised piracy concerns against the Saudi state.
An announcement is now not expected until next week with focus instead on plans to restart the season after the coronavirus shutdown.