Manchester United and Real Madrid have been struggling in defence this season and could now go to war for the signature of a €100 million rated African defender.
Read: Final CAF Ranking Revealed, Onyango Ahead Of €100m Rated Man Utd Target
The Red Devils have continuously linked with Napoli and Senegal centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, who has been voted into CAF's African Team of the Year.
Recent reports suggested the 27-year-old is keen to join United, but Napoli would only be prepared to let him go after the current campaign.
His departure would likely command a world-record fee for a defender, with United believed to be ready to pay €100 million (R1.6 billion) for his services.
However, Italian outlet Il Mattino – as cited by Manchester Evening News – now report that Real are trying to hijack the move for the highly-rated defender.
Los Blancos are understood to be keen on luring Koulibaly to the Santiago Bernabeu in January in order to save their season from complete failure.
Napoli, though, are unlikely to let the Senegal international leave this month because they see him instrumental in their hopes of winning the UEFA Europa League this season.
Read: Exclusive: Two Chiefs Stars Voted In SA's African Team Of The Year
Koulibaly has made 188 appearances for Napoli since the Serie A side for just €7.75 million from KRC Genk.
Real or Man Utd – which side do you think will win the battle for Koulibaly? Have your say in the comments section below.
