Liverpool are 'leading the race to sign Koulibaly in a £42m deal'

Napoli are reportedly likely to cash in on defender Kalidou Koulibaly this summer with Liverpool said to be leading the race to sign him in a €50million (£42m) deal.

The Senegalese has been one of the most sought after defenders in world football in recent years but has failed to seal a move away from the Serie A side.

But, with his contract due to expire next summer, this year's window represents the final opportunity for Napoli to get a significant fee for him before they risk losing him for nothing.

According to Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport, Koulibaly is 'very much liked' by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp and the Reds have already made contact with Napoli over a possible switch.

It comes with Liverpool on the brink of securing a £33m deal for RB Leipzig defender Ibrahima Konate as Klopp looks to revitalise his defensive options after a nightmare season.

Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis knows he must cash in on his prized asset this summer, especially if they miss out on a place in next season's Champions League.

It is claimed Koulibaly will be able to leave for €50m (£42m) and €60m (£51m), which is a serious drop on the €80m (68m) fee some of Europe's leading clubs have been quoted in the past.

Liverpool's offer is said to be 'the most tempting' to Koulibaly because he will be able to form a formidable defensive partnership with Virgil van Dijk.

Klopp already has Van Dijk, Joe Gomez, Joel Matip, Ozan Kabak and Ben Davies as centre back options but it remains to be seen wither Kabak's loan from Schalke will be converted into a permanent move.

The Reds do face competition from Paris Saint-German and both Manchester United and Manchester City but Liverpool are said to be 'clearly ahead' of their rivals.

Bayern Munich and Real Madrid have also recently been linked with Koulibaly while Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti is keen for a reunion with his former player.

It is claimed Napoli already have a replacement lined up in Feyenoord's Argentine defender Marco Senesi.