Manchester United ‘closing in on the signing of £52m Napoli defender Kim Min-jae’ as Erik ten Hag targets the Serie A winner to boost his defence
- The 26-year-old South Korean centre-back has just helped Napoli to league title
- Kim only arrived in £15m move from Fenerbahce a year ago but could move on
- Reports in Italy suggest United only have to agree the fine details with player
Manchester United are reportedly poised to sign the Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae.
The 26-year-old South Korean centre-back has enjoyed an excellent season as Napoli ended their 33-year wait to win the Serie A title.
That has led to widespread interest in Kim but reports in Italy suggest Erik ten Hag‘s United will win the race.
The Naples-based outlet Il Mattino report it is only a matter of sorting out the details of Kim’s transfer to Old Trafford, with the Italian champions already scoping out replacements.
He only arrived at the Italian club from Fenerbahce last summer for around €18million [about £15m], with Napoli likely to make a handsome profit on their investment.
Manchester United are reportedly closing in on the signing of Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae
The 26-year-old South Korean defender helped Napoli win their first league title in 33 years
United manager Erik ten Hag would like to strengthen his defensive options after injury issues
It is rumoured Kim has a release clause of between £43m and £52m.
Kim has played 43 times for the club this season, scoring twice and contributing another two assists. He has helped Napoli keep 15 clean sheets en route to the Scudetto.
If he completes his move to United, the South Korean will boost Ten Hag’s central defensive options, which became depleted when Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane suffered injuries.
Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire are other options in three position, while left-back Luke Shaw has stepped in to good effect this season.
Kim has always harboured ambitions to play in the English Premier League.
United are also interested in Napoli’s prolific Victor Osimhen as they look to sign a centre forward as a priority this summer.
But Napoli are understandably keen to hold on to a striker who has netted 28 times in all competitions during a successful campaign for the club.
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