Chelsea and Spurs want in-demand Napoli superstar

Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly has emerged as a priority target of London duo Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea, according to reports in England. 

The Napoli star defender has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs over the past few years but finally it looks likely that a move to England could happen. 

The 28-year-old has been one of the best defenders in Europe in the last few years but Napoli have been really resilient to keep their hold onto the Senegalese international. 

But, the superstar defender could now be allowed to leave the club during the winter transfer window amid the row which led to Carlo Ancelotti being sacked before the Italian eventually moved to Everton. 

It is believed that Napoli's senior players are really upset with club chairman Aurelio de Laurentiis which led to him dumping Ancelotti hours after he had guided the side into the last 16 of the Champions League. 

Koulibaly is among the most senior players at the Naples side who have turned against the club's heirarchy and that is the reason the club are looking to ship the Senegalese international. 

Koulibaly has been a long-target of top clubs across the whole of Europe and they have been given fresh encouragement to interested clubs elsewhere that a deal could be struck in January. 

According to reports in Italy, both Spurs and Chelsea have made contact with the player's representatives regarding a move for the 28-year-old defender. 

Premier League giants Chelsea have been long-term admirers of Koulibaly but have already twice seen attempts to sign him blocked by De Laurentiis. The Blues are looking to try their luck once again. 

Frank Lampard's side could do with an experienced central defender to provide some know-how in the back line, and should Koulibaly become available he would obviously have an interest. 

Spurs are also in desperate need for a top-quality experienced defender and Koulibaly is one of the very best of the game. The North London side have struggled defensively this season and Jose Mourinho is eager to add more quality to his leaky defence. 

Mourinho is a huge fan of the Senegalese star since his time as the manager of Manchester United and wanted him at Old Trafford during that time and is still looking for the defensive man mountain despite switching to Spurs.

Featured Image Credits - AS