West Ham United are reportedly in the hunt to sign Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

The 28-year-old has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, having developed into one of the best centre-backs in world football during his time in Naples.

Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have all previously been credited with an interest in a player who wears the captain's armband for Senegal.

However, according to The Express, West Ham have emerged as 'shock contenders' to land Koulibaly, with the Hammers prepared to spend heavily this month following a difficult first half of the campaign.

The report notes that City are still interested in the defender due to their problems at the back, but David Moyes's side are allegedly very much in the hunt as they weigh up a surprise bid.

Koulibaly, who missed Napoli's final match of 2019 against Sassuolo due to a thigh issue, has a contract with Gli Azzurri until the end of the 2022-23 campaign.

West Ham are currently 16th in the Premier League table, just two points above the relegation zone.