Conor Clancy rates Everton target Kalidou Koulibaly among world’s best defenders | OneFootball

Forza Italian Football editor Conor Clancy believes Everton would have one of the world’s best defenders on their books if they manage to sign Kalidou Koulibaly before the transfer window slams shut.

Rafa Benitez, who was appointed as Carlo Ancelotti’s successor in the Goodison Park dugout last month, has made clinching the arrival of Koulibaly a priority ahead of the Premier League season getting underway next month.

Benitez managed Koulibaly during his time in charge of Napoli, where the Senegal international remains and made 37 appearances last term, and is keen to be reunited with the defender.

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The Toffees have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of the 6 ft 2 Koulibaly as Napoli boss Luciano Spalletti has insisted the 30-year-old is not for sale.

However, that did not stop the Merseyside club testing the waters with an opening bid, according to Calciomercato, which has been rejected.

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Serie A expert Clancy believes Everton would pull off a major coup if they manage to persuade Napoli to sell.

Speaking exclusively to Football FanCast, he said: “He improves any team he goes to. He’s phenomenal. I’d say, to be honest, after Virgil van Dijk, he is in the conversation for being the second best defender in the world.”