Manchester United transfer news: Kalidou Koulibaly 'flattered' by interest but focused on Napoli

The Senegal international is one several centre-backs being monitored by United

Kalidou Koulibaly, the Manchester United target, has admitted that he is ‘flattered’ by interest shown in him but says he is only focussed on playing well for Napoli.

The Senegal international, who signed a new five-year contract at Napoli last year, is one several centre-backs being monitored by United ahead of a summer revamp in defence.

Competition for Koulibaly’s signature is high though, and any prospective transfer would be likely to make the 27-year-old the most expensive defender of all time.

On Friday, Koulibaly was asked about the speculation surrounding his future in an interview with Rai Sport, following months of links to several top European clubs.

“I am flattered and it’s pleasing to know, but I am concentrated only on Napoli and proving what I can do on the pitch,” he said, in quotes translated by Football Italia.

“There is a lot of motivation for me at Napoli. We want to prove we’re at the top level and I want to keep improving here.”

When asked whether he considered himself one of the world’s best defenders, Koulibaly said: “I don’t know about that, but I am always trying to better myself.

“Since I first came here, my focus has always been to keep improving with Napoli. I am doing pretty well and want to keep improving here.”

Koulibaly joins Inter’s Milan Skriniar and Sampdoria’s Joachim Andersen on a list of potential defensive summer targets, though Skriniar is believed to be the most realistic.

As revealed by The Independent on Friday, Skriniar’s camp are aware of United’s interest, despite a new contract at the Giuseppe Meazza.