Newcastle face battle for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly

Napoli will resist any approach from Newcastle for defender Kalidou Koulibaly, according to Sky Sports in Italy.

Newcastle have been strongly linked in the British media with a move for the Senegalese defender who moved to Napoli from Genk 18 months ago.

It has been suggested there is an £8m buy-out clause in Koulibaly's contract but his agent, Bruno Satin, has indicated the 24-year-old is keen to remain with Napoli who are currently second in Serie A.

Quoted by Italian website Tuttonapoli, Satin said: "Napoli has always been the first choice of [Kalidou].

"He wants to stay to reach great levels in Naples, and wanted... to earn [a starting role].

"He is doing well in the field, and he is happy and motivated."