Everton ‘eye summer swoop for Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly’ who worked under Ancelotti at Napoli

Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly is among the top targets of Everton this summer as they look to kick on again next season, according to reports.

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti knows Koulibaly well having worked together for 18 months at Napoli, and talkSPORT claim he is keen to be reunited with the defender.

The 29-year-old has been strongly linked with a move to the Premier League in the the past – with Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United having been cited as possible destinations before. However, no move has ever materialised due to his £89million valuation.

Everton are keen to sign Napoli centre-back Kalidou Kouilbaly, according to reports

Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti is keen to bolster his defence and be reunited with Koulibaly

The pair worked together at Napoli for 18 months before Ancelotti left in December 2019

However, that could all change with Everton’s interest and that Ancelotti is set to be heavily ‘backed’ this summer. This is coupled by the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on everyone’s finances plus the fact Koulibaly will be entering the final two years of his contract.

‘It sounds like Carlo Ancelotti is going to be backed this summer,’ said talkSPORT journalist Alex Crook.

‘I think they’re just going to fall short this season in terms of being contenders for a Champions League place.

‘But they believe they’ve got the right manager in place in Ancelotti to challenge at that kind of level.

‘Koulibaly is someone Ancelotti worked with at Napoli, he knows him well.

‘There was an £89m fee being talked about this time last year, but given the global economy when it comes to football, that fee would be dramatically reduced now.

‘Ancelotti would like to get this deal done.’

Koulibaly has been linked to the Premier League before but has been priced out of a transfer

The Toffees remain in the hunt for a top-four finish this term as they sit eighth in the Premier League – five points behind fourth-placed Chelsea but with a game in hand.

Qualifying for at least the Europa League is certainly a priority for the Goodison Park outfit and acquiring someone like Koulibaly this summer will help them get closer to their top-four desires in future.

The Senegal international has made 30 appearances in all competitions for Napoli this season.