Manchester United remain hell-bent on bringing Kalidou Koulibaly to Old Trafford.
The Napoli centre-half, 28, is viewed as the perfect partner for Reds skipper Harry Maguire at the back.
And despite spending the last 12 months chasing Koulibaly - without joy - the Premier League outfit still regard him as their defensive priority.
They will step up efforts to secure his services as soon as the summer window opens.
Koulibaly is aware of their interest and is open to the idea of a switch to England.
However, United know they are not alone in their pursuit as Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea are also in the hunt.
That makes Champions League football next season absolutely imperative if United are to seriously challenge that trio for the signature of the Senegal international.
Koulibaly will cost the best part of £90million - yet, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer believes his impact on the Reds side will far outweigh that hefty price.
The Reds boss is also willing to make him the highest-paid player at the club in order to push the deal through - and make up for a relatively-quiet January window.
They did sign midfielder Bruno Fernandes from Sporting Lisbon for an initial fee of £47million.
That could potentially rise to £68million, depending on add-ons.
United then ended up with former-Watford striker Odion Ighalo, 30, on loan for the rest of the season - after a last-gasp shock swoop for the Nigerian to bolster their depleted attacking options.
Solskjaer admitted after Saturday's 0-0 draw with Wolves his delight at finally landing Fernandes.
"Bruno Fernandes will become a top footballer. Give him time and he will become a very good addition for us. We dropped him deeper to get him on the ball and I thought him and Fred did very well.
"His demeanor, smile, everything about him is a boost for everyone. He is a genuine lad, a top professional and he is a winner.
"Today we saw glimpses of his character and we will see more and more."
