Man United ‘have £77m bid rejected’ for Napoli ace Kalidou Koulibaly as Jose Mourinho eyes defensive clear-out
Jose Mourinho is planning a major clearout in order to fund moves for defensive reinforcements
MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly lodged a huge bid to make Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly the world’s most-expensive defender.
Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho is desperate to bolster his backline after failing to land a centre-half over the summer.
However, the report states the alleged huge sum was knocked back instantly by the Serie A side.
And they will not accept anything less than £89m for the Senegal international.
SunSport reported last week that Mourinho is ready for a defensive clearout in order to raise funds for new recruits.
Eric Bailly is set for talks over his Manchester United future — just two years after his £30million switch from Villarreal.
The Ivory Coast ace, 24, has not started a game since boss Jose Mourinho subbed him before half-time against Newcastle last month.
RE-UNITED Juventus enquire about Pogba at meeting with United in Turin
He will meet United top brass this week to discuss their plans and whether he will be sold in January.
The Red Devils’ backline has been leaking like a sieve this season, conceding 21 goals in just 12 matches.
And the Special One is ready to take no further chances after failing to persuade Ed Woodward to rebuild in the last window.
Bailly could be the first to depart, but Chris Smalling is another centre-back on the verge of leaving, with SunSport exclusively revealing strong interest from Everton.
He is available on a free transfer next summer and looks set to be cut loose in order to free up room for new faces.
Meanwhile, Marcos Rojo is reportedly closing in on a move to Premier League new boys Wolves.
The Argentine is yet to feature this season after recovering from a lengthy injury lay-off and could be offloaded as early as January.
Roma are also keen on Matteo Darmian as well, with the full-back falling down the pecking order under Mourinho.
The Italian is also a target for Inter Milan too.
And any cash raised from their departures now looks certain to be put towards a move for Koulibaly after months of speculation.
The ace joined Napoli from Genk in 2014 and has made 180 appearances for the Italian giants.
It remains to be seen whether Woodward would sanction such a huge fee for a defender, especially after he refused to pay over the odds last summer for either Leicester’s Harry Maguire or Tottenham’s wantaway Toby Alderweireld.
PAUL POGBA - Is the Frenchman on his way out of Old Trafford?
JUVENTUS have reportedly asked Manchester United to keep them updated on Paul Pogba’s situation during talks in Turin this month.
The Serie A giants are keen on re-signing the man they sold to the Red Devils for £89m back in 2016.
Pogba, 25, spent four years at Juventus after leaving Old Trafford in 2012 and remains a huge favourite with the club’s hierarchy and supporters.
And the Old Lady asked United to keep them in the loop over the potential availability of their record-signing during informal talks.
Click here for the very latest on his potential return to Juventus.