Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly has reportedly swapped agents in an effort to force through an end-of-season exit from the Stadio San Paolo.

Real Madrid, Barcelona and Chelsea have all been tipped to make a move for the Senegal international, despite Carlo Ancelotti's best efforts to talk him into staying.

Long-term admirers Manchester United are widely considered to be the favourites to land Koulibaly, though, and The Independent claims that their hopes of finally agreeing a deal have been boosted by the defender's decision to change agents.

The report indicates that the player's brother is now in control of his affairs ahead of the transfer window, having recently parted with representative Bruno Satin, and it is believed that he is holding out for an offer from the Red Devils.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is expected to bring in a new centre-back during the off-season, with Harry Maguire, Raphael Varane and Matthijs de Ligt other options.