Napoli 'eye Samuel Umtiti as Kalidou Koulibaly replacement'

Napoli have reportedly identified Barcelona centre-back Samuel Umtiti as the perfect replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly should the Senegalese move on in the near future.

Koulibaly is widely regarded as one of the best central defenders in world football, and the likes of Barca, Real Madrid and Manchester City continue to be linked with his services.

Napoli have thus far resisted all interest in the 28-year-old, who is believed to have had a release clause in the region of £110m inserted into his current deal.

However, according to reports in Spain, the Italian giants are putting a plan in place should Koulibaly depart, with Umtiti viewed as the ideal replacement for the former Metz youngster.

Umtiti, who is in the latter stages of his recovery from a foot injury, has fallen behind Clement Lenglet in the pecking order at Camp Nou after a loss of form.

The Frenchman was strongly linked with a move away from Ernesto Valverde's side over the summer but ultimately remained with the club beyond the European transfer deadline.