Man Utd: 'Extraordinary' £40.5m target is 'better than Maguire' at Old Trafford

Manchester United target Kalidou Koulibaly is better than Harry Maguire, but the Red Devils could face stiff competition for his signature this summer, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

United are hoping to sign the £40.5m-rated Napoli centre-back when the window opens for business following their worst defensive campaign for 43 years.

According to Spanish sources, United are targeting a summer move for the 57-cap Senegal international, who’s about to enter the final 12 months of his deal in Italy.

Koulibaly, described as ‘extraordinary‘ by Salernitana manager Stefano Colantuono ahead of their game against Napoli in October, has been a long-term target for several Premier League clubs in recent years after his exploits in Serie A.

Ahead of January, Newcastle were linked with his services, while Chelsea are also said to be interested in the defender following uncertainties over the futures of Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen.

But the report states that United are hoping to bring Koulibaly to Old Trafford to replace Maguire, who’s position in the side has come under serious threat in recent months.

Maguire remains the club captain, but he has been dropped by Ralf Rangnick on a couple of occasions since the turn of the year.

But while Jones reckons that Koulibaly would be an upgrade on the England defender, he believes that he’s by no means the perfect himself.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “Koulibaly, he’s probably a better defender than Maguire, but it’s not like he’s without problems, he makes mistakes, too.

“He is playing at a higher level right now, but the issue will be if they do go for him, after a little while of people not being interested in him, he now has four or five big European clubs looking at