Mourinho on defensive over £95m Nap target
JOSE Mourinho refused to dwell on speculation surrounding a reported failed bid for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
Italian newspaper Corriere della Serra claimed Napoli had rejected a 107m euro offer from United for the 27-year-old, who was included on the Reds’ long list of possible defensive targets in the summer.
Former England coach Fabio Capello revealed earlier this season Mourinho told him at a Uefa coaches’ convention he wanted Koulibaly, who is contracted to the Neapolitans until 2023.
United have got just fit two central defenders after Chris Smalling (foot) and Eric Bailly (back) withdrew from the squad to face Southampton on Sunday.
Victor Lindelof, Matteo Darmian and Antonio Valencia were also sidelined.
After watching his side concede their 22nd and 23rd league goals of the season at St Mary’s, Mourinho was asked about the Koulibaly rumours.
“I cannot answer your question,” Mourinho said. “If it is true, if it is not true, I cannot answer your question. Maybe your question is the first one about the market and maybe the next press conference I have two more questions, and maybe the next press conference I have three more.
“The only thing I can tell you is Koulibaly is a Napoli player and I don’t speak about players from other clubs.”
United also showed interest in Milan Skriniar of Internazionale and Tottenham’s Toby Alderweireld in the summer, among others, and both are yet to sign new contracts to stave off interest. Inter demanded £76m for Skriniar, 23, while Spurs also outpriced United from sealing a move for Alderweireld.