Rafael Benitez has made signing a new centre-back one of his top priorities, with Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly his preferred target.
According to 90min, the new Everton manager has encouraged the club to pursue Koulibaly, who could be available for around £35million this summer.
It was Benitez who brought the Senegal international to Napoli in July 2014, signing him from Genk for a fee of just £6.5million.
Koulibaly’s value has increased dramatically since then, having established himself as one of Serie A’s best and most consistent defenders.
Over the last seven years, he has made close to 300 appearances for Napoli in all competitions, leading to interest from many of Europe’s biggest clubs.
With two years left on his contract, which makes him one of the club’s highest earners, that situation appears to have changed and Everton are looking to take advantage.
The 30-year-old is no longer considered quite as crucial to Napoli’s plans as he once was, and a change of scenery could suit both parties.
The highlight of Koulibaly’s time at the club came just last year, when Napoli defeated Juventus 4-2 on penalties in the Coppa Italia final.
