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Napoli 'keen to ward off Barcelona interest in Kalidou Koulibaly'

Napoli 'keen to ward off Barca interest in Koulibaly'
© Reuters
Napoli are reportedly prepared to offer a pay-rise to Kalidou Koulibaly in order to fend off interest from Barcelona.

Napoli are reportedly ready to fight to retain the services of Kalidou Koulibaly, who is said to be a transfer target of Barcelona.

With Koulibaly due to turn 31 years of age in the summer, it has been suggested that Napoli will be open to cashing in on the long-serving Senegal international.

The centre-back could also, in theory, be happy to take on a fresh challenge, aware that it may be his last opportunity to move to another big club.

However, according to Tuttomercatoweb, Napoli are happy to hand Koulibaly a pay-rise in order to retain his services in the long term.

The report says that the Serie A leaders do not expect Koulibaly to accept a new deal without his importance to the squad being recognised by the powers-that-be.

Koulibaly has helped his team to the best defensive record in Italy's top flight this season, conceding just 19 goals from 27 matches.

Barcelona are allegedly prepared to spend as much as €40m (£33.39m) to sign the player during the summer.

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Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly pictured in October 2020
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TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
CReal Madrid37297187266194
2Barcelona37257577433482
3GironaGirona37246778463278
4Atletico MadridAtletico372341068432573
5Athletic Bilbao371811860372365
6Real Sociedad371612951371460
7Real BetisBetis37141494845356
8Villarreal371410136464052
9Valencia37139153843-548
10AlavesAlaves37129163545-1045
11Osasuna37128174455-1144
12Getafe371013144152-1143
13Sevilla371011164752-541
14Celta Vigo371010174455-1140
15Las PalmasLas Palmas37109183246-1439
16Rayo Vallecano37814152947-1838
17Mallorca37716143143-1237
18CadizCadiz37615162549-2433
RGranada3749243872-3421
RAlmeria37212233774-3718


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