Napoli confirm Man Utd transfer target Koulibaly will be sold despite rejecting £91m world record offer over the summer

Napoli have confirmed they will sell Koulibaly - with Man Utd formerly interested

MANCHESTER United have been given a huge boost affter Napoli confirmed Kalidou Koulibaly WILL be sold - despite them rejecting a world record £91million bid in the summer.

President Aurelio De Laurentiis has admitted the time will come when he will be forced to sell his star centre-back.

Man Utd chased Koulibaly, 28, all summer, with Napoli rejecting a world-record deal for a defender, and have now been given a major boost.

But now De Laurentiis has revealed: "I loved Koulibaly the man so I refused £91m offer, but a time will come when I'll have to sell him.

"Whoever says we didn't improve our defence is wrong."

Meanwhile, Koulibaly himself has had his say on the persistent transfer rumours - saying he is entirely focused on Napoli.

The Senegal star said: "I’m used to [transfer rumours]. So many [stories] come out each day, which say I’m leaving.

"Right now, my only objective is to win with Napoli. I don’t care about the rest.

"Our objective remains to beat the best teams in Italy and win the [Serie A title].

"This season is more difficult because all the teams have got stronger and Serie A has become more competitive.

"We must think positively and be aware that we can do well. My objective is to help the club and team win a trophy now."

Man Utd had hoped to bring Koulibaly to Old Trafford this summer, but on having their monster bid rejected, instead turned to Harry Maguire in an £85m deal.

However, that bid is one of many that show how United lag behind the likes of Liverpool, in terms of the transfer market dealings - and is one big reason why they're struggling so badly this season.