Former Chelsea defender Frank Leboeuf says Liverpool would be tough to beat if they signed Napoli centre-half Kalidou Koulibaly when the transfer window opens.

Reports in Italy have consistently linked the Reds with a move for the Senegalese international, although it does seem unlikely that Jurgen Klopp’s side would shell out a sizeable fee on a player who turns 29 later this month.

However, when asked to assess the clubs that Koulibaly could play for, Leboeuf said the centre-back would form a formidable partnership with Virgil van Dijk:

“I think Liverpool would be a good fit with Van Dijk, that would be fantastic. Paris Saint-Germain as well with Marquinhos, there would be two great central defenders.”

“I think Chelsea will need a player like that, I don’t know if Koulibaly will be interested, but even if they have two very good central defenders, Koulibaly I think belongs to another level and would fit very well.”

“But definitely, I know he has a link with Liverpool, Van Dijk and Koulibaly at the back – my God, that’s going to be another Red season I guess.”

Liverpool supporters shouldn’t get their hopes up over this one. For some reason, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis is still holding out for around €100m (£89m) despite the current financial climate.

Considering the Reds failed to sanction a move for RB Leipzig striker Timo Werner, who would have cost half that amount, the prospect of Koulibaly moving to Anfield this summer is a remote possibility.