Kim Min-jae’s move to Man United ‘is virtually COMPLETE’ with the Red Devils ‘having already found a home for the £56million-rated Napoli defender’… the South Korean looks likely to leave after a superb Serie A season
- The highly prized defender has been heavily linked with the Premier League club
- Kim moved to Napoli at the start of the season to replace Kalidou Koulibaly
- United also sniffed around team-mate star striker Victor Osimhen
Manchester United are closing in on securing the services of Kim Min-jae from Napoli, with the club already considering a home the defender could move into, according to reports.
The South Korea international has long been a top target for the Red Devils as Erik ten Hag prepares his proposed defensive overhaul.
Up to four of United’s defenders are set to leave this summer, and the Dutch manager believes the centre-back will be a vital piece of the puzzle as United look to challenge at the highest level next season.
According the sunKim’s move north is “virtually over”, after Italian outlet Il Mattino confirmed the 26-year-old is preparing to leave the club after helping them win their historic Seria A title in May.
Kim played an important role in ending Napoli’s 33-year wait for a Scudetto, appearing in 33 of their matches in the top flight and boosting them with strong performances in their promising Champions League campaign.
Kim Min-jae’s move to United is ‘virtually complete’ and the club have found him a home
Erik ten Hag will tweak large swaths of the United squad during the transfer window
The defender only arrived at Napoli at the start of the season having been granted a three-year deal with an option for the club to extend the contract for a further two years.
Napoli paid £16m (€18.5m) for Kim to bring him to Campania from Turkish Super Lig club Fenerbache as they look to replace their long-term defensive general Kalidou Koulibaly.
Koulibaly had moved to Chelsea earlier in last summer’s transfer window after eight years at Napoli.
United are said to be considering handing Kim a £7.8m-a-year contract, although they are yet to submit a formal offer with his current club.
The Red Devils are also expected to pay the defender’s release clause, which the Serie A side have set at £56million.
This would see Napoli earn around £37million on their one-season wonder.
Ten Hag is looking to refine his squad in a number of different positions in the upcoming transfer window, with a marquee signing in attack also high on their wish list.
Kim’s team-mate Victor Osimhen has also attracted interest from Old Trafford, with the Nigerian striker considered alongside England captain and Tottenham star Harry Kane.
But Napoli are less willing to let go of their 28-goal man, with club president Aurelio De Laurentiis saying there is “no way” Osimhen will be sold at the end of the season.
The South Korea international’s defensive production helped seal Napoli’s historic Serie A title
Victor Osimhen (on Kim’s back) is another Scudetto winner watched by the Manchester club
The Dutch manager’s planned moves in the window could still be impacted by their arrival at the end of this campaign.
United have yet to secure Champions League football with just two games remaining, against Chelsea and Fulham.
However, the Manchester side would be allowed to feel quietly confident of getting another season in Europe’s top flight as they need just one point to qualify.
Their closest rivals Liverpool squandered a great chance to keep pace in the race for the top four spots by drawing Aston Villa 1-1 at Anfield on Saturday afternoon.
