Newcastle want Kalidou Koulibaly as ‘marquee’ transfer signing from Napoli after Man Utd and Chelsea interest in past

NEWCASTLE are interested in signing Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, according to reports.

The Magpies are expected to spend big in the January transfer window following the completion of PIF's takeover this week.

Newcastle want to sign Kalidou Koulibaly

And signing a strong, experienced defender is reportedly top of their agenda given they are without a win so far this season.

Koulibaly is being targeted as the club's first marquee signing of the new era, report Football Insider.

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The centre-back has helped Napoli to the top of the Serie A table with Luciano Spalletti's side winning all seven league games so far.

But Koulibaly is viewed as a realistic transfer by the Newcastle hierarchy.

He was once valued at £89million by Napoli when Manchester United and Chelsea showed interest.

But now he has less than two years on his contract and aged 30, it seems the Italian outfit could be prepared to drop their asking price significantly.

Everton were also said to be interested in the Senegalese in the summer but financial fair play restrictions prevented them from mounting a move.

Newcastle have been linked with several players since the Saudi-led takeover was finalised.

United stars Jesse Lingard, Donny van de Beek, Eric Bailly and Anthony Martial are all believed to be interesting the Toon.

Meanwhile, other big names such as Philippe Coutinho and Paris Saint-Germain star Mauro Icardi are also on the club's shortlist.

There could also be a change in the dugout with the new owners keen on Brighton boss Graham Potter.

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