Manchester United ‘place Napoli defender Kim Min-jae at the top of their summer wish list’ with Erik Ten Hag ‘keen to strengthen his centre-back options at Old Trafford’
- Man United manager Erik ten Hag is keen to strengthen his side’s defence
- Reports in Italy claim Kim Min-jae is at the top of their summer wish list
- The 26-year-old South Korean international has a £44million release clause
- Kim joined Napoli in the summer and has helped them build an eight-point lead
Manchester United have placed Napoli defender Kim Min-jae at the top of their summer wish list, according to reports in Italy.
Kim, 26, only moved to Napoli from Fenerbahce five months ago, but it didn’t take him long to hit the ground running, producing a string of impressive displays at the back to help Luciano Spalletti’s men build up an eight-point lead at the top of Serie A.
He also played a key role in South Korea’s run to the World Cup last-16, where they were eventually beaten by pre-tournament favourites Brazil.
Manchester United are interested in signing Napoli’s Kim Min-jae during the summer window
As a result, Kim is now attracting interest from other top clubs in European football, and United are believed to be one of them.
According to TuttoMercatoWeb, United are already putting plans in place to bolster their defence next season, with the Napoli centre-back understood to be one of their key targets.
Erik ten Hag is keen to strengthen defensively amid doubts over the futures of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, who have been third and fourth choice behind preferred pair Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez at the heart of his backline.
The centre-back has starred for Napoli this season and during the World Cup with South Korea
United have also conceded 20 goals in their first 15 games – with only Tottenham (23) conceding more in the top six.
Napoli are likely to ask for his £39million release clause to be met if they are to sell the defender.
United could face heavy competition from Real Madrid, who according to the Sun, are also interested in signing Kim.
Premier League rivals Tottenham, Brighton and Fulham are also said to be keeping tabs on the 26-year-old.
Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag is keen…