The Manchester Evening News journalist Stuart Brennan has dismissed reports coming out of Italy that Manchester City are closing in on a deal to sign Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly.
It has been claimed that the Citizens had tabled an offer in the region of €70m (£63m) for the 29-year-old and that a transfer could be only hours away from being completed. However, Brennan was quick to caution supporters that the stories are not accurate:
To everyone getting excited about reports from Italy that Koulibaly is happening today – calm down.
Nothing doing.#MCFC
— Stuart Brennan (@StuBrennanMEN) August 19, 2020
Koulibaly is believed to be a target for City, but fans on Twitter have expressed their frustration at the contradictory reports they are hearing about the deal:
Imagine my shock…??
— Jason peachey (@jasonpeachey1) August 19, 2020
Obviously Koulibaly will not be announced today, does not mean it is not happening.
— ⚚ (@thepsilon) August 19, 2020
Right so no Koulibaly….this is getting a bit silly now ?
— Jonathan (@Jonathanctid) August 19, 2020
There weeks till the window closes just chill
— Mark N (@mark_n0) August 19, 2020
Why can’t u get some happy news for us? FFS
— Cityzen Agenda (@MCFC_Agenda) August 19, 2020
You must be fun at parties…
— CFC Critic. (@CFCCritic) August 19, 2020
Lol
— KDB™ (@BelgianKing17) August 19, 2020
It must be said that no English source has so far confirmed that City have made a bid for Koulibaly, but there is certainly momentum gathering on this transfer happening.
City are said to be keen on adding another centre-back to the squad, following the arrival of Nathan Ake from Bournemouth, and it appears they are now firm favourites ahead of the likes of Liverpool and Manchester United for the Napoli star.