Newcastle United have reportedly made Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly their top transfer target following their £300m Saudi-backed takeover.
After the consortium fronted by Amanda Staveley ended Mike Ashley's 14-year spell in control of the club, Newcastle are being tipped to splash the cash over the next few transfer windows.
The Magpies are already said to be in contact with Barcelona's Philippe Coutinho over a move to the North East, but improvements are also expected to be made at the other end of the pitch.
According to Football Insider, Newcastle chiefs are already plotting a move for Koulibaly, who has been identified as the first 'marquee signing' the club want to make following the takeover.
The 30-year-old remained in Naples last summer despite reported interest from Manchester United and Manchester City, although the Serie A side will be forced to lower their demands after holding out for a figure of £89m in 2020.
Koulibaly already boasts two goals and an assist from seven Serie A starts this term, but the Senegal international is out of contract in 2023.
Ben Knapton
