Man Utd target available for £42m for ’15 days’ in summer; Liverpool, Spurs ‘ones to watch’

According to reports, Man Utd fear they will be rejected by Napoli defender Kim Min-jae in the summer transfer window as other clubs will be able to offer him ‘more guaranteed instant minutes’.

The South Korean international has been one of the best defenders in Europe this season as Napoli close in on their first Serie A title since 1990.

He only joined the Naples outfit last summer but is being linked with an exit at the end of 2022-23.

Kim’s form is a huge reason why Napoli are top of the league and in the quarter-final of the Champions League, so it is no surprise to see the likes of Man Utd and Spurs rumoured to be interested in signing him.

Transfer expert Ben Jacobs has claimed that Liverpool and Spurs are ‘ones to watch’ ahead of the summer and has confirmed rumours that Kim will be available for £42million, though this release clause will only be active for the first 15 days of the window.

He wrote for CaughtOffside: “Clubs looking at centre-backs this summer will inevitably be scouting Kim Min-jae. The South Korean defender has been sensational for Napoli.

“He has dismissed links with a Premier League move, but the interest in him is genuine. Several top clubs have been scouting him.

“Luciano Spalletti has already termed Kim as one of the best centre-backs in the world. He’s just so reliable, assured and intelligent.

“There is a release clause of £42m, which in the current market is pretty decent value. Napoli’s lawyer Mattia Grassani has confirmed it will be active this summer for just 15 days at the start of the window.

“Napoli are a bit concerned that’s quite a low number, given the player’s form, so may look to offer improved terms.

“Kim only joined from Fenerbahce this season but has more than earned improved terms.

“Manchester United have scouted Kim, but they have Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane as high-profile and recent signings in defence. There are other suitors who can perhaps offer the player more guaranteed instant minutes.

“My understanding is that Tottenham and Liverpool are ones to watch. Remember, Kim is 26 so won’t want to move to any top European club as only a squad player.”

Saying that, Varane has definitely not been himself since moving to Old Trafford from Real Madrid.

was another indication that the Frenchman is a player Ten Hag could look to replace in the next 15 months.

For £42m, Kim would be an excellent signing, but it would be understandable if he has reservations about moving to Man Utd.