Manchester United boss desperate to sign Napoli ace in January

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho is reportedly eager to sort out the club's leaky defence with the signing of Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly in the New Year.

The Red Devils boss had been desperate for a new central defender during the summer but his request came to no avail after the club failed with approaches for the likes of Harry Maguire, Diego Godin and Jerome Boateng.

According to The Mirror, Koulibaly is currently the top candidate on Mourinho's wishlist for the winter period and he is keen to have the 27-year-old integrated into the squad for the second half of the season.

However, there remains a stumbling block with Napoli holding out for a £89m sum which is supposedly much higher than United are prepared to offer (£80m), and this could stall the move until next summer.

Koulibaly, who is regarded as one of Serie A's best centre-backs, was previously fancied to join Chelsea. The Blues failed with multiple offers during Antonio Conte's time in charge of the club.