Man Utd transfer news: Kalidou Koulibaly, Ozan Kabak, Matthijs de Ligt, Anthony Martial

Koulibaly on the radar

Manchester United have sent scouts to check out Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly with a view to a “mega January move”.

Koulibaly, the 27-year-old centre-back, has been in impressive form for Napoli this season and although Chelsea have long been linked with Koulibaly it’s believed United are now leading the chase.

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The Sun says that United are willing to pay in the region of £90m for the Senegal stopper and adds that Napoli are ready to “sell for the right price”.

Teenage sensation in United’s sights

Even with Jose Mourinho sacked this morning, the Daily Star says that the Red Devils will nonetheless press on with their plan to sign Galatasaray ace Ozan Kabak.

The 18-year-old Turkish defender is one of the most sought-after youngsters in Europe, with Manchester City and Inter Milan also interested.

With a modest £6.7m release clause in his contract, Kabak is easily affordable and the Star says that United “are prepared to make the first move”.

Ajax ace staying put

Talking of teenage stars, Matthijs de Ligt says his focus is on Ajax despite rumours linking him with United and Barcelona.

Described by the Daily Express as “one of Europe’s hottest properties”, the 18-year-old was voted the most promising under-21 player in Europe on Monday.

But when asked about the possibility of a move to Old Trafford, the central defender said: “I can’t be distracted by all of that [transfer rumours]... at the end of the season I will consider if the time has come to make a step up. For all the rest, you will need to ask my agent or my managers. I repeat, I’m focused on Ajax.”

Martial signs a new deal

BBC Sport is one of several outlets to report that United have triggered the option of a year’s extension on the contract of Anthony Martial.

The 23-year-old’s current deal expires in the summer but it will now run until June 2020. Apparently the French forward’s agent “remains in discussions” with United over a new deal.

However, The Times states that Martial’s agent isn’t impressed with the way negotiations are going.

“I am very pessimistic about a positive outcome of the discussions,” said Philippe Lamboley in an interview with French broadcaster RMC Sport. “They’ve already made several offers that do not meet our expectations. We are far from an agreement for the time being.”