Manchester United set to sign new central defender - Italian journalist

Manchester United have reportedly agreed a shock deal to sign Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly this month.

The Senegalese has been a long-term target for the likes of Chelsea and United and the latter have regularly been in contact with the Naples outfit regarding the player.

According to Italian journalist Fabio Santini, the Red Devils have sealed a shock mid-season deal with Napoli for the centre-back after agreeing on a fee between 70m and 75m euros.

"Napoli will sell Kalidou Koulibaly to Manchester United for a figure of around €70m-75m. It seems all done. Naturally, such a deal will be closed only in June and certainly not in January in the winter transfer window," he told.

United have depended on Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire for the central defensive duties in the Premier League this season and the latter was pursued from Leicester City for a fee of around £80m last summer.

Still, there have been defensive frailties present in the performances and the possible signing of Koulibaly would surely be a statement as they seek to push for the top four places this season.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side are currently five points behind Chelsea in the race for the fourth spot. They have a difficult-looking league game against Liverpool on the road this weekend.