Former Liverpool and Napoli left-back Andrea Dossena has backed the Reds to sign Kalidou Koulibaly when the transfer window opens.

The Italian feels the centre-half could form a formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk which would be the envy of world football:

“Klopp is missing just one piece to complete a stratospheric squad and the Koulibaly-Van Dijk pairing could become a big barrier. Also, Liverpool have no economic problems and therefore the deal would be within the reach of the English club.”

Koulibaly has been linked with the Reds, along with Manchester United and Spurs, in the Italian press but the Senegalese international’s €100m (£89m) asking price would present a major obstacle.

With the defender also turning 29 next month, it does seem highly unlikely that manager Jurgen Klopp would sanction a move for a player who doesn’t have many more years left at the top of the game.

It is believed Liverpool are reluctant to make major signings this summer, with the impact of the global health crisis on finances having a big role. Dossena’s wish for Koulibaly to move to Anfield is probably not going to happen unless his price tag dramatically drops.