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Manchester United 'identify three Kalidou Koulibaly alternatives'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 09 January 2019

United 'identify three Koulibaly alternatives'

Three central-defensive alternatives have been lined up by Manchester United should they miss out on Kalidou Koulibaly, according to a report.

Manchester United reportedly have a shortlist of three defenders should they fail to secure the signing of Napoli ace Kalidou Koulibaly.

A new centre-back remains a top priority for the Red Devils after missing out on a number of targets during Jose Mourinho's final six months in charge.

Koulibaly has emerged as United's favoured option, but Napoli are believed to reluctant to sell the 23-year-old midway through the season.

ESPN suggests that three others have been identified to join the Premier League giants if Napoli refuse to budge on their not-for-sale stance, though United are willing to wait until the summer to land their man.

Milan Skriniar and Alessio Romagnoli, of Inter Milan and AC Milan respectively, are said to have been lined up, while Leicester City's Harry Maguire - a long-term target of United's - is also still on their radar.

Koulibaly agreed fresh terms with Napoli at the tail end of last year and is now under contract at the Stadio San Paolo until 2023.