According to The Express, West Ham have emerged as shock contenders to sign Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly.

What's the word, then?

Well, if the Hammers pull this deal off, it would surely be one of the biggest transfer shocks in years.

The Senegal international is regarded as one of the best defenders in Europe, with his former Napoli boss Carlo Ancelotti going as far as comparing him to other great players that he has coached such as Paolo Maldini and Thiago Silva (La Stampa via Calciomercato).

“Koulibaly belongs in the category of Maldini, Thuram, Thiago Silva, and Sergio Ramos. He’s very clever, usually he’s so fast and strong he thinks it’s no use to solve problems. He knows that it’s not enough to have a strong personality.”

Koulibaly, 28, has been a long-term target for Tottenham and Chelsea, while Manchester United had a look at the former Genk defender before opting to sign Harry Maguire - The Express also state that Manchester City could give West Ham competition for the centre-back.

Napoli's 6 foot 1 star player was also nominated for the coveted Ballon d'Or award recently, which only emphasises his status as one of Europe's leading players in his position.

Surely West Ham are punching above their weight?

With all due respect to the Hammers, David Gold and David Sullivan are surely punching above their weight with this one.

Koulibaly has a market value of £67.5m according to Transfermarkt, while Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis revealed that he thinks the Senegal star is worth £250m following Maguire's £85m move to Old Trafford.

"He has a clause of £150m. But, for example, in England, they paid £85m for a player. In Napoli, I would pay £30-£35m. With that in mind, I think Koulibaly's value is £250m if they paid that much for that guy."

As aforesaid, clubs such as Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham are keen on the player too, and given the huge numbers being thrown around in regards to his value, surely Koulibaly is out of reach for the east Londoners in financial terms as well as what they can offer - the Hammers seem unlikely to be able to offer European football to the defender, as they currently sit 16th in the Premier League, just two points above the bottom three.

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The Hammers' ambition here is definitely admirable, although it does seem as if Koulibaly might be out of their reach in more ways than one.

In other news, West Ham simply can't be held to ransom in their pursuit of this midfielder...