One of the primary concerns for Rafa Benitez this summer is improving Everton’s leaky defence.

The Toffees have been interested in signing Euro 2020 star Denzel Dumfries while Max Aarons is also on their radar.

A mega-money bid for Ben White has even been touted in some circles as Everton look to spend big.

What’s the word?

One of the latest names on the club’s radar is Napoli centre-half Kalidou Koulibaly.

Carlo Ancelotti targeted the Senegalese defender a few months ago as the Italian aimed to bring an elite name to Goodison Park.

However, according to 90min, Benitez has now asked the Everton hierarchy to reunite the pair.

The new Toffees boss worked with Koulibaly during his time in Naples and could now pay around £35m to make him a Toffee.

He was valued at £100m just a few years ago so this would be a bargain deal for Marcel Brands and co.

Forget White

The Brighton defender would undoubtedly be a top-drawer signing.

He is now in the England squad and is one of the most promising young centre-backs in the Premier League.

A ball-playing defender, there is plenty to like about the 23-year-old’s game. However, for a fee potentially rising to £55m, it would be a mind-boggling deal to complete when Koulibaly is available for £20m cheaper.

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Factor in the Napoli star’s experience and this deal instantly becomes more attractive for Benitez.

Described as “extraordinary” by former Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina, the Senegal international is one of the most feared defenders in world football.

Koulibaly has established himself as a brick wall in Italy, remaining composed in possession of the ball but bullish and aggressive in defensive duels.

Last term, the 30-year-old brute completed 89.1% of his passes and won 73% of his tackles. That’s a remarkably high tally and coincidentally, is also better than White’s statistics.

The England centre-half was successful with 83.2% of his passes and won just 60% of his tackles in comparison.

There is no doubt that White will have an enormous future in the Premier League but with Everton requiring European football in the immediate future, Koulibaly feels better placed to help them achieve their goals.

With a defender like that at the back, it could get Goodison Park rocking again. After all, the Merseyside outfit were hardly a pillar of consistency last term.

The fact that Benitez and Koulibaly have worked together should also play out in their favour. He featured 39 times under the Spanish coach so they should already be familiar with how each other work.

This would be a fabulous deal if Brands can get it over the line. It’s not often you see an elite name penning terms with Everton.

AND in other news, Everton in talks to sign "outstanding" £30m gem, Rafa Benitez needs him...