Liverpool 'Make £54 Million Bid' For Napoli Defender Kalidou Koulibaly

Liverpool have reportedly had a bid of £54 million rejected by Napoli for defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

Italian publication Corriere dello Sport have claimed the opening bid has been rejected by Napoli but Liverpool remain frontrunners to secure his signature.

Jurgen Klopp is a fan of the 29-year-old who has impressed for the Serie A outfit over the last few years.

Napoli's controversial president Aurelio De Laurentiis recently stated the club will want up to £90 million for any deal involving Koulibaly.

Using Liverpool's Premier League rivals Manchester City as an example, De Laurentiis ranted about a potential transfer in trademark fashion.

"If City or United or PSG with €100 million (£90 million) showed up, I would think about it [selling Koulibaly] and it is probable that they [the player] would leave, always if their will was to leave," the 71-year-old told Corriere dello Sport.

"I don't even consider an offer of €60 million (£55 million). I am solid, if I wanted to win the Scudetto at any cost today I would find myself with three, four hundred million debts.

"I look around and see companies at €500, €600 million, less a billion. I don't owe anyone a s**t."

Napoli sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli also explained: "Kalidou is a great player, who still has a long contract with us.

"If we were to sell, the club could ask for a large sum. A player like this cannot change his value even in a crisis, so we are not moving our valuation."

On the pitch, Liverpool moved closer to a first ever Premier League title on Sunday with a 0-0 draw against Everton.

The Merseyside derby failed to excite and Klopp was quick to criticise his side's 'rhythm' after three months away.

"After four weeks of training sessions I was happy with the performance level," Klopp told iNews.

"Today was an important game. Physically we were ready for the game. Defensively we were there. I liked us offensively but you need chances and rhythm, that's something we didn't have, that didn't happen. I know we can play better but the performance level was OK."

Liverpool return to action against Crystal Palace on Wednesday knowing they need five points from eight games to become Premier League champions.

Featured Image Credit: PA Images

Topics: Liverpool, Football News, Football, Serie A, Transfers, Jurgen Klopp, Napoli, Kalidou Koulibaly

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a freelance journalist for SPORTbible and covers a variety of sports. He also has past experience of working at Manchester United and once locked eyes with Jose Mourinho. He lived to tell the tale.

@DanMarland1998x