The agent of defender Kalidou Koulibaly has informed Napoli that Manchester United have joined Manchester City in the race for the Senegalese international, according to reports in Italy.

It is claimed that Fali Ramadani has said that the Red Devils are also now involved, with the Citizens having failed to come to an agreement over a transfer fee for the centre-back.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is still holding out for €80m (£71m) for Koulibaly but City have reportedly only tabled an offer of €60m plus bonuses for the 29-year-old so far.

Whether United’s interest is designed to push City into making a higher offer, it remains to be seen. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side are believed to be looking at signing a centre-half, having been linked with RB Leipzig’s Dayot Upamecano in recent days.

However, they are likely to be targeting younger players than Koulibaly. With the Serie A star now pressing for a move away from Napoli, City may be wise to stay patient as they look to bring the defender’s price down.