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Report: Manchester United dismissed chance to sign Napoli star valued at €40m

Manchester United were one of the biggest winners of the last summer transfer window. However, we could have seen a different face in the Premier League if it wasn't for the €40 million price tag Napoli set for one of theirs.

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By martín o’donnell

Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to lead his team to success this season.
© Getty ImagesManchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer wants to lead his team to success this season.

The lasttransfer window was one of the wildest in years. Lionel Messi to PSG andCristiano Ronaldo back to Manchester United headlined a number of astonishing moves that shocked the soccer community.

The Red Devils have been missing glory days since the Sir Alex Ferguson era and they showed how serious they are about getting back to the top. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer won’t have any excuses this season as his squad was bolstered with stellarsignings.

Besides Cristiano, Man United completed thelong-awaited arrival of Jadon Sancho from Borussia Dortmund, and also landed French center-back Raphael Varane from Real Madrid. However, a recent report claims they could have acquired another man for the defense.

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Man United reportedly stepped away from negotiations for €40m-ratedNapoli star

Following another trophyless season, Solskjaer knew this year would be crucial to keep his job atOld Trafford. The Red Devils have grown tired of watching lifelong rivals Manchester City claiming titles and need their drought to be over soon.

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The Swedish manager, therefore, was keen on improving his roster and the center-back position seemed priority. Well, they eventually landed Varane, but according to Corriere dello Sport, Man United were in talks to sign Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

Manchester United have reportedly walked away from negotiations for Koulibaly after Napoli valued him at €40 million. (Getty)

Manchester United have reportedly walked away from negotiations for Koulibaly after Napoli valued him at €40 million. (Getty)

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The highly praised Senegalese star was reportedly valued at €40 million, which may have pushed the Red Devils away. Good as he may be, Koulibaly isn’t getting any younger and United considered the fee was too high in this case.

They ended up bringing in Varane for that price, which was kind of a bargain for a player of his level. With him and Harry Maguire they no longer needed to go after a big-name center-back as Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof are solid ackups. However, Koulibaly is understood to be happy inSerie A, so there were nobig losers in this failed negotiation.

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