Barcelona have been encouraged in their pursuit of Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

Sport says despite the fact Barca coach Xavi Hernandez prefers the arrival of Sevilla's Jules Kounde, the club see Napoli's Koulibaly as a more attractive option in terms of price, international experience and the fact he's a left-sided centre-back.

Barça are on top of the situation and it seems they won't have many competitors because Napoli have told the player they are only prepared to sell him to a non-Italian club, ruling out Juventus.

Il Mattino says Napoli have accepted that Koulibaly will not renew his contract, which expires next summer. Negotiations have broken down, but they are ready to keep him until his deal expires.

They have told the player, meanwhile, they will only listen to offers from abroad. Juve were keen but will have to look elsewhere.