Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly is reportedly joining Manchester City this summer in a £72m (€80m) deal, after turning down interest from Newcastle United.
Kouliably is one of Europe's most sought-after centre backs, after six impressive years in Naples and despite interest from PSG, Barcelona and Real Madrid too, the 29-year-old looks set to join the Premier League.
Newcastle, who could soon be under fresh ownership involving the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, are also courting the Senegal international but the lure of working with Pep Guardiola at the Etihad has made Koulibaly's mind up, according to Italian outlet Il Mattino.
The report details that the Napoli defender will be sold by chairman Auerlio De Laurentiis in order to keep the club's finances in check and fund new signings.
The price is around €80m (£72m) for Koulibaly, who starred as Napoli won the Coppa Italia last week after beating Juventus on penalties, and he will reportedly sign a five-year deal at the Etihad.
A separate report in Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo explains that the defender has also rejected interest from Ligue 1 in Paris Saint-Germain, and LaLiga in Spanish heavyweights Barcelona and Real Madrid.
Guardiola is the lure for the Senegalese, over other English options which reportedly include Liverpool and Manchester United, as well as the Magpies.
This season, the Napoli vice-captain has made 24 appearances in all competitions, after missing action in January due to a bicep injury.
He has been at the Stadio San Paolo for six years, after joining from Metz in 2014 for just £6.5m.
Koulibaly will face competition at City for a centre back spot, alongside Aymeric Laporte, Fernandinho, Nicolas Otamendi and John Stones.
City, meanwhile, relinquished their Premier League crown on Thursday night, after a 2-1 defeat at Chelsea means Liverpool have an unassailable lead at the top of the table with seven games to go.
babbelmoz
500
With Koulibaly and Laporte in the back four, Mancity would be unbeatable. Next year City will be hot and will claim all the trophies in England and possibly Europe if we are able to upturn that silly and vindictive ban .
Muzcintuyz
461
Believe me the centre back duo of Laporte and Koulibaly is gonna be eternal
iLuvBothLM10CR7
254
Next year it will be amazing competition between Chelsea, Liverpool and City. This year city only lacked in defence if they sign him that aspect will also be sorted out.
fizzbizzie
10
i mean, would they even finish at top 4... Ole's tactics are too simple and based much more on luck at aerial duels...
simple and based on aerial duel ? you should go back and watch the team goals United scored against Southampton.. it's Chelsea that base their game on luck and hope that pulisic gets a lucky goal..
fedaenosz
9
i mean, would they even finish at top 4... Ole's tactics are too simple and based much more on luck at aerial duels...
this comment shows you haven't watched a Manchester United match since mourinho left
wohabdlrt
8
Next year it will be amazing competition between Chelsea, Liverpool and City. This year city only lacked in defence if they sign him that aspect will also be sorted out.
i mean, would they even finish at top 4... Ole's tactics are too simple and based much more on luck at aerial duels...
❤Ràshnîc❤
8
man utd[Crylaugh][Crylaugh] I wonder if they would even qualify for UCL.
They'll, Leicester will slip and Chelsea will move to 3rd why Man united in 4th
❤Ràshnîc❤
8
Next year it will be amazing competition between Chelsea, Liverpool and City. This year city only lacked in defence if they sign him that aspect will also be sorted out.
You forgot Man united