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There can be no mistake that the Italian sport media are trying their best to drag Liverpool into the perceived race for Kalidou Koulibaly.

Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis wants a battle for the defender this summer, so his club can push the price up, and it’s therefore unclear if the Reds are genuinely interested or just being used as a marketing exercise.

Similar goes for Manchester United and Newcastle United, with both the subject of repeat links. With them looking for a defender last summer, De Laurentiis told his local media United had offered around €100m, which was rejected.

Harry Maguire was then signed, and it’s unlikely the same would be spent on a defensive signing this summer. Newcastle have been dragged in because of their perceived new wealth, in another attempt to talk things up.

Regardless, Gazzetta dello Sport claim Liverpool are ‘on pole’ for the signing, ahead of other Premier League clubs. This is because of their ‘prestige’, with Jurgen Klopp’s side being holders of the Champions League, and expected to be named champions whatever happens with this season.

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