Man Utd in massive transfer acceleration with bid ready for top Ten Hag target before release clause is even active
Manchester United are ready to make their move for top defensive target Kim Min-jae before his release clause is even active this summer, according to the latest update.
There have been plenty of links between Kim and Man Utd in recent weeks. He appears to be Erik ten Hag’s preferred target to replace Harry Maguire at Old Trafford. After all, the South Korea has just helped Napoli to the Serie A title.
After impressing during his debut season in Italian football following a transfer from Fenerbahce, Kim could take the next step of his career as early as this summer.
Man Utd look like the leading candidates to sign him. Presumably, their plan would be to make him a long-term successor to not just Maguire, but Raphael Varane, given the status Kim enjoys at Napoli.
Already in the prime of his career at 26 years of age, Kim has caught the attention of other clubs too. Any of his admirers will be able to sign him in the first two weeks of July, when a release clause will be active unless Napoli have been able to upgrade his contract before then.
There have been contrasting estimations of how much Kim’s release clause is exactly worth. According to the latest update from The Sun, it is somewhere in the region of £40m.
Yet the tabloid claims Man Utd actually want to wrap up a deal for Kim before that exit clause is valid. Whether they will be offering Napoli a higher sum to seal the deal is unclear.
Kim is due to undertake military service in South Korea during the summer, which might be another factor in Man Utd accelerating their plans to bring him to the Premier League.
Man Utd ready to make Kim Min-jae swoop
Judging by The Sun‘s report, Man Utd’s first bid for Kim is almost ready to be sent Napoli’s way.
Losing Kim would be a massive blow to the Serie A champions, who signed him to replace Chelsea-bound Kalidou Koulibaly last year. Kim adapted much more smoothly to his new surroundings than Koulibaly has at Stamford Bridge.
Napoli also look set to say goodbye to Luciano Spalletti, the head coach who inspired their title charge this season. Therefore, they could be facing another rebuild.
Kim, instead, might be looking forward to a first taste of Premier League football. If not with Man Utd, it could be with their local rivals Man City.
However, the report insists that City’s top target to strengthen at centre-back is Josko Gvardiol of RB Leipzig. After all, they could lose another left-footer in the shape of Aymeric Laporte.
Perhaps the biggest threat to Man Utd in the race for Kim could be Paris Saint-Germain. There have been talks between the club from the French capital and Kim’s representatives.
Since their pursuit has been progressing, it is obviously time for Man Utd to respond with their own push.
READ MORE: Man Utd dealt blow as Ten Hag target drops hint on future as contract talks with Bundesliga club continue
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