Blues interest in Napoli defender high
Chelsea are thought to have made a £19.2million bid for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
The defender of Senegal origin impressed in Serie A last season, making 42 appearences in all competitions.
Earlier this month, the 24-year-old revealed big clubs were keen on him, which angered club president Aurelio De Laurentiis.
He told French newspaper L’Equipe: “I was happy to sign a five-year contract with them – I did very good things this season and there are proposals on the table.
“Big clubs want to sign me and there is no sign of a renewal with Napoli.
“The negotiations for a contract extension have stalled and they never wanted to discuss with us.”
But Gazzetta Dello Sport claim De Laurentiis rejected the £19.2m offer from the Blues.
The report adds Manchester United are willing to beat Chelsea to Koulibaly by offering £20.7m.
However that reportedly still falls short of Napoli’s £30.8m valuation of the player.
By Ben Kelly – @benkelly_10
