Liverpool leading race to sign Kalidou Koulibaly

Liverpool are reportedly ahead of Manchester United in the race to sign Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly this summer.

Earlier on Monday, it was claimed that the Merseyside giants were in advanced talks for RB Leipzig's Ibrahima Konate.

However, the speculation has been dismissed by Leipzig's hierarchy and Gazzetta dello Sport claims that the Reds are looking at other options.

Koulibaly has been linked with a Premier League move since 2016 and the Reds are among the long-term admirers of the Senegalese.

He was valued at around £87m last summer, but the price has been driven down to between £42m and £51m amid the impact of COVID-19.

The Reds are said to be leading the pursuit of the experienced centre-back and a summer deal may lead to uncertainty over Ozan Kabak's future.

Kabak was signed on loan from Schalke in January with the option to buy for £18m and it remains to be seen whether the Reds will trigger the clause.