West Ham emerge as shock contenders to seal £70m Kalidou Koulibaly transfer - EXCLUSIVE
West Ham want to sign Napoli star Kalidou Koulibaly but could face competition from Manchester City.
Posted Monday, January 06, 2020 by Express.co.uk
West Ham have emerged a shock contenders in the race to land highly-rated Napoli central defender Kalidou Koulibaly. The Senegal international has been a long-time target for both Tottenham and Chelsea while Manchester United also looked before they signed Harry Maguire.
Koulibaly, 28, who helped his country to the final of the African Cup of Nations is seen as one of the best central defenders in European football.
He is rated at around £70million by Napoli is keen to move to the Premier League where Manchester City who want to strengthen their defence are also interested.
The Hammers are prepared to splash money during the transfer window after briefly dropping into relegation places over the busy festive period.
West Ham transfer news: The Hammers will make a £70m move for Kalidou Koulibaly
They have moved two points clear of third-bottom Bournemouth and will give David Moyes money to strengthen his squad over the next month.
Koulibaly has impressed again for Napoli this season, making 20 appearances across all competitions.
West Ham’s current centre-back options are Issa Diop, Angelo Ogbonna, Fabian Balbuena and Winston Reid.
As well as competing for the signing of Koulibaly, David Moyes has confirmed a midfielder and goalkeeper are on his January transfer wish list.
He explained: “I think that we want to add a player in that department [midfield].
“In January it'll never be easy for anybody, but if we could, it would help us.
“I think we're also talking with some other goalkeepers as well. I do know that we're looking to add another goalkeeper to the squad.
“At the moment the only people I’m really concentrating on are the team and the players I’ve got here.
“If good players are available, there’s no doubt that the owners and myself will be looking at them.”
Meanwhile, Declan Rice has backed Moyes to be a success at West Ham after he replaced the sacked Manuel Pellegrini.
The midfielder said: “He gets the best out of the players. If you’re not playing well, he will tell you straight.
“I had it a couple of times when I was here last time with him. Rightly so, he told me off for some of the mistakes I made, and when I played well, he praised you as well.
“He’s got the right balance. The lads are really happy with him.”
West Ham return to action against Gillingham in the FA Cup third round on Sunday at 6.16pm.
After that the Hammers take on Sheffield United on Friday as they look to move further clear of the relegation zone in the Premier League.
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