Manchester United captain Harry Maguire could benefit from having someone like Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly alongside him next season, according to Serie A journalist Conor Clancy.

Koulibaly has spent the majority of his career in Italy, but a move to Old Trafford remains a possibility ahead of the summer transfer window opening.

What's the latest news involving Koulibaly?

The Senegalese defender only has one year left on his contract at Napoli, and a number of major European clubs appear to be keeping an eye on his current situation.

As reported by Italian outlet Area Napoli, Manchester United, Chelsea and PSG are all interested in the 30-year-old, who won the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.

Koulibaly is valued at £40.5m by Transfermarkt, after helping Napoli to a third-place finish in Serie A this season.

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What has Clancy said about Koulibaly?

If Koulibaly does move to the Premier League, Clancy feels he would settle in very quickly. The Italian football expert has hailed Koulibaly's qualities, and believes he could help Maguire raise his game after a difficult campaign at Old Trafford.

When asked about Koulibaly, Clancy told GIVEMESPORT: “I don’t even think he’s the type of player that needs to adapt. I think if he goes somewhere, everyone else gets lifted up to his level as well. Maybe Maguire could do with someone like him by his side, because he’s an intelligent defender.

“He doesn’t often have to make recovering runs because he’s been caught out of position, but when he does need to do that he’s capable because he’s so quick. He’s so strong.”

Could Koulibaly be the answer to Man United's defensive issues?

United conceded 57 league goals this season, 13 more than last term, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick both being unable to solve the team's problems at the back.

The issue can partly be put down to United struggling to settle on a partnership throughout the campaign. Raphael Varane could not get a consistent run of games due to numerous injury setbacks, while Maguire and Lindelof suffered from a lack of form at various stages in the season.

Over in Italy, Koulibaly had an exceptional year as Napoli conceded the joint-fewest goals in the division.

He appears to possess all the attributes needed to succeed in the Premier League, and if Erik ten Hag can bring him in and play him alongside either Maguire or Varane, this could lead to United becoming a far more difficult side to break down in 2022/23.