West Ham United have reportedly emerged as shock contenders to acquire the services of Kalidou Koulibaly from Napoli this month.

The Senegalese has been linked with a move to the Premier League after developing into one of the best centre-backs in the world.

Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal have been frequently fancied to make an approach for the former Genk man but according to The Express, the Hammers could make a surprise approach for the 28-year-old.

The east London side are currently languishing in the 16th spot in the standings with a two-point gap to the drop zone and reports indicate that David Moyes could be backed with a significant kitty to spend on new signings.

Koulibaly was valued in excess of £120m last year but Napoli are seemingly prepared to accept a fee of around £60m, given the defender is said to have been involved in a dressing room revolt of late.

Napoli have been poor by their standards in the Serie A this term and they are presently 11 points adrift of the Champions League spots. They are scheduled to host Inter Milan at home on Monday night.