Manchester United news: Transfer target Kalidou Koulibaly to be represented by his brother as he seeks summer move

The Senegalese defender would cost nearly £100m but is looking to leave Naples this off-season

Kalidou Koulibaly is eyeing a big-money move away from Napoli this summer, with his brother taking control of the player's representation as he seeks a life-changing contract.

The Senegal international has established himself as one of Europe’s elite central defenders over the past two seasons, and is being pursued by Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and Paris Saint-Germain as the supply of top-class centre-backs continues to dwindle.

The Independent can confirm that Koulibaly parted ways with his agent, Bruno Satin, late last year. It is understood that the separation was due to pressure from the defender's family, who want a bigger piece of the finances surrounding any future transfer.

Koulibaly signed a new deal in Naples last summer, keeping him at the club until 2023 and meaning Napoli are under no obligation to sell.

Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis is a notoriously tough negotiator but the film magnate has not ruled out the possibility of selling Koulibaly, and claims the club have previously rejected a €105m approach for the player.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti is desperate for the defender to stay, but a fee in the region of £90-100m would be expected to convince Napoli to sell the player, who is seeking one of the biggest contracts for any defender in the world.

Koulibaly has a strong attachment to the club and the city, but will be 28 by the time the transfer window opens in July with his transfer value having peaked.

United are seeking to add a centre-back to their ranks in the summer and have tracked Koulibaly since his days at Gent, but may baulk at Napoli’s asking price and are currently prioritising the signing of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund as their 'number one' target.

Barcelona have previously shown an interest in Koulibaly but are seeking to lower their wage bill and are instead looking to seal a knockdown price for the signature of 19-year-old Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt.