Manchester City have expressed an interest in signing Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly - according to reports in Italy.
MEN Sport understand strengthening City's back four is a priority for Pep Guardiola in the upcoming transfer window due to City's unconvincing defensive performances this season.
Both John Stones and Aymeric Laporte have struggled for fitness this season leading to Fernandinho playing the majority of the season in central defence.
Il Mattino, via AreaNapoli, claim that City have joined the race to sign Koulibaly from Napoli this summer. The Senegal international is expected to leave the Serie A side at the end of the season and has gained a reputation as one of the best centre-backs in the world.
The report says City's move for the 28-year-old could hinge on their appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport over their ban from the Champions League.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has admitted the club would consider selling the defender but only for €100 million.
Given the current financial climate, it's difficult to envisage any club paying such a fee in the upcoming window.
Elsewhere, City are reportedly ready to meet Real Madrid's asking price to sign Achraf Hakimi.
The defender has shone during his loan spell with Borussia Dortmund and Madrid could look to cash in on the Moroccan with Dani Carvajal the current first-choice right back.
AS report City are looking to win the race to sign the 21-year-old and are prepared to meet Real's £54million asking price.
Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich and Inter Milan have all been credited with an interest in the full-back.
