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Napoli want £150million for Kalidou Koulibaly, who is being targeted by Manchester United, per the Daily Express.

The price tag placed upon the defender’s head had been designed to scare off potential suitors but United are undeterred by the prospect of paying out a world-record fee for the centre-back.

What’s the word?

The aforementioned report claims that the defender, who has emerged as a world-class talent in Serie A, is also being scouted by both Barcelona and Real Madrid.

However, the Spanish giants have been put off by Napoli’s astonishingly high asking price.

The current world-record fee for a defender is held by Virgil van Dijk, who cost Liverpool £75m when they signed him from Southampton.

United would have to double that figure to secure the Senegal international, who has become their top target when it comes to defensive reinforcements.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is said to be keen to reinforce his backline this summer and the success of Van Dijk at Liverpool has reportedly convinced United that there is value in paying high prices for defenders.

A statement

This would be an astonishing message to send from United.

They absolutely do need to refresh their defence but a figure of £150m makes the eyes water.

Koulibaly is perhaps their best option, however, and his talents are such that, in today’s crazy marketplace, the fee makes some sort of sense.

The Senegal international has made over 200 appearances for Napoli and is, without doubt, the best defender in Serie A.

He is also perhaps the best attainable talent available to United.

Breaking the bank for him may set tongues wagging but it is also the right thing to do.

Prepare for a mammoth transfer this summer.