Liverpool willing to pay £65m for Serie A defender

Liverpool are reportedly prepared to meet Napoli's £65m price tag for Kalidou Koulibaly during the January transfer window.

The Reds were interested in the Senegal international this summer, but their offer fell short of the asking price set by the Serie A outfit.

It now appears that they could revive their interest at the turn of the year after the serious knee injury sustained by Virgil van Dijk.

The Dutchman could potentially miss the rest of the season with the setback and the Reds are determined to fill the void in January.

According to Italian journalist Fabio Santini, the Reds are prepared to meet Napoli's valuation for Koulibaly, but they could face direct competition from Paris Saint-Germain.

Les Parisiens were unable to land a replacement for Thiago Silva, who left on a free transfer earlier this summer and they have identified Koulibaly as a potential target to bolster their ranks in January.

Liverpool are currently third in the Premier League standings, three points adrift of surprise leaders Everton. They are scheduled to host Sheffield United on Saturday evening.