According to reports from Calciomercato, Everton have made an offer for Napoli and Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
As shared on Twitter by transfer round-up account Transferchanger (@transferchanger), the centre-back has been the subject of an opening bid with Napoli believed by one source to be willing to accept €35 (£30) million for the ex-Metz man.
Twitter: Everton have made an opening bid for Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly.
(Via: Calciomercato) https://t.co/O9afL0IF4V (@TransferChanger)
A previous report from 90min had claimed that the Napoli bulwark has been ‘bumped up’ on the Toffees’ priority list of potential summer recruits.
Newly appointed Toffees boss Rafa Benitez first brought the 30-year-old to Napoli during his spell in charge of the Neapolitans in 2014 and appears keen on a reunion at Goodison Park.
The move could see the likes of Yerry Mina sweating over his future at the club, though a deal appears to be some distance from completion.
The report from Calciomercato indicated that Napoli are pushing to attract a fee of £51.4 million in a substantial increase from previously reported demands.
Conversely, the fee remains significantly knocked down from demands last summer in which suitors – including Everton’s arch-rivals Liverpool – were quoted a price tag of £100 million.
Luciano Spalletti’s new-look Napoli side has yet to take shape, leaving key decisions to be made by both the board and manager over which plays are and are not made available this summer.
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At 30 years of age, Napoli may feel it is a now-or-never scenario in terms of cashing in on an asset that is increasingly ageing.
Adding proficiency and leadership – not to mention Champions League experience – to Everton’s back line, Koulibaly could spearhead a major defensive reshuffle at Goodison Park.
