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Manchester United step up Kim Min-jae interest?

Manchester United step up Kim Min-jae interest?
© Reuters
Manchester United are reportedly pushing ahead with plans to sign Napoli defender Kim Min-jae in the summer transfer window.

Manchester United are reportedly set to step up their pursuit of Napoli defender Kim Min-jae.

The Red Devils could be in the market for a new centre-back this summer, with the futures of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof shrouded in uncertainty.

The pair have fallen down the pecking order this season following the arrival of Lisandro Martinez, who has formed a formidable central defensive partnership with Raphael Varane.

Maguire has been restricted to just seven Premier League starts this season, and he could look to find regular playing time elsewhere.

Although Lindelof has started Man United's last six games due to injuries to Martinez and Varane, the Sweden international has had to settle for a fringe role for the majority of the campaign, and he may also be considering a departure.

Napoli's Kim Min-jae pictured on November 12, 2022© Reuters

As a result, Man United may have to recruit replacements, and they have identified Kim as a potential transfer target.

According to Corriere dello Sport, via Inside Football, Man United are pushing ahead with plans to sign Kim this summer.

The report claims that the Red Devils are preparing to submit a bid of €60m (£53.2m) for the South Korea international.

Kim has a contract with Napoli until June 2025 with an option of a further two years, but he has a release clause which becomes active between July 1 and July 15 this year.

Napoli's Kim Min-jae in action with AC Milan's Junior Messias in September 2022© Reuters

There is a belief that Man United's proposed offer would equal or be close to the buyout clause in the defender's contract.

The Red Devils could face competition from Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur, who are also thought to be showing an interest.

Kim joined Napoli from Fenerbahce last summer, and he quickly established himself as an integral part of Luciano Spalletti's side, making 42 appearances in all competitions.

The 26-year-old has played his part in a memorable campaign, helping Napoli end their 33-year wait for the Serie A title.

Man United, meanwhile, are currently in fourth position in the Premier League table with a one-point gap over fifth-placed Liverpool, who have played two games more than the Red Devils.

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