Manchester United line up bid for Napoli’s Kim Min-jae

Manchester United are weighing up a move for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae following an impressive debut campaign in the Italian top flight, according to Corriere dello Sport.

The Red Devils have already begun planning for the summer transfer window, with manager Erik ten Hag keen to bring in at least five players ahead of next season.

Although Man United’s lingering takeover process has not helped their recruitment plans, it has not stopped the Dutch manager from identifying potential targets.

Ten Hag’s priority remains to sign a new centre forward, with Tottenham Hotspur’s Harry Kane his top target. Min-jae’s teammate Victor Osimhen is also on their shortlist.

However, shoring up the backline is also high on the manager’s to-do list, with one of Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof expected to leave Old Trafford this summer.

Min-jae has emerged as a top target after an explosive debut Serie A campaign, where he proved instrumental to Napoli’s impressive Scudetto triumph.

The South Korea international only joined Luciano Spalletti’s side last summer but could soon be on the move again with Man United readying a bid.

The 26-year-old has a €40 million release clause in his contract which will be valid to foreign teams at the end of the season, leaving Napoli slightly handicapped in the negotiation process.

However, Man United are willing to offer €60m as they hope to steal a march on other potential suitors for the player’s signature.

The Premier League giants are hopeful the offer will tempt the newly crowned Serie A champions – famous for being tough negotiators – into an early sale this summer.

Napoli stand to make a significant profit, having paid Fenerbahce around €20m for his services last year. But it remains to be seen if they will be willing to part ways with the defender.

Any potential move will hinge on Man United qualifying for the Champions League with their top-four hopes now under threat following Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to West Ham United.