Manchester City are part of a select group of clubs who could tempt Kalidou Koulibaly to leave Napoli.

That's what the Senegalese defender apparently told Italian journalist Valter De Maggio (via Area Napoli).

De Maggio asked Koulibaly whether he'd consider a move to Juventus, but was told that he would 'never go and play for another Italian club'.

Instead, the 30-year-old insisted he would only leave for 'two, maximum three clubs in the world'.

'Guardiola's Manchester City, Real Madrid and Barcelona' were the three sides identified.

Koulibaly admired at The Etihad

City were keen to sign Koulibaly in 2020 but wound up striking a deal for Ruben Dias instead.

The relationship between the reigning Premier League champions and Napoli is 'not good' after Chelsea were allowed to hijack their move for Jorginho in 2018.

But Koulibaly continues to impress, with The Athletic's Phil Hay recently making the case that the 'weapons-grade' 'colossus' was the best player in the world on form - he's helped Napoli win nine and draw one of their first 10 Serie A games.

They also lie second in their UEFA Europa League group, ahead of Leicester City, at the halfway stage.

Fan feed City Xtra relayed De Maggio's comments, and here's what supporters made of them.

City fans flock to Koulibaly claims

"Ake straight swap"

Credit: @TeacherOfBall

"We are finished without Pep blud"

Credit: @UnrealFoden

"The poor bloke is still packing his bags"

Credit: @_TJ932O

"We got Father Ruben, pal. We don't need you."

Credit: @mvx_mcfc

"I’m sick of his name I cant lie"

Credit: @BernardoTouch

"Too little too late"

Credit: @ashley__04

In other news, fans have called for this signing.