Champions League qualifiers Manchester United and Newcastle are reportedly contesting for the signature of Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae.
It is believed that the Red Devils have stolen a march in the hunt for Serie A’s best central defender, whose $50m release clause becomes active on 1 July.
Kim Min-Jae tops list of Erik Ten Hag’s defensive targets
The South Korean international has been on top of United’s list of targets since October, according to Fabrizio Romano, and Old Trafford chiefs are in contact with Kim’s agents with Newcastle also tracking the situation.
Manchester United have Kim Min-jae on their list since October and remains the main target. Release clause, only valid in July as United are in contact with agents; Newcastle are informed too. 🔴 #MUFC
Understand Man Utd are also monitoring the French market for plan B options. pic.twitter.com/XNXy4yL54v
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 7, 2023
And according to Italian sports outlet CalcioNapoli24, suggestions are that the Serie A winner has already said his goodbyes to his Napoli teammates as he prepares to move to England this summer. Later this month Kim is set to undergo three-week long mandatory military training in South Korea, in compliance with the country’s rule regarding all able-bodied men aged 18-28.
