Napoli plot summer swoop for Robin Le Normand

Newly-crowned Serie A champions have set their sights on Real Sociedad star Robin Le Normand to replace outgoing Kim Min-jae.

Italian journalist Alfredo Pedulla reports that the Partenopei want the Spaniard to take the South Korean’s place in the heart of Rudi Garcia’s defence next season.

Min-jae’s transfer to Bayern Munich is a mere formality after the 26-year-old completed his medical tests at the Allianz Arena on Friday, with the perennial Bundesliga champions set to announce his €50 million arrival.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis was unwilling to sanction his centre-back’s departure following his impressive maiden season in Serie A.

However, the Bavarians left the film producer powerless by activating the player’s release clause to fill the void left by Lucas Hernandez’s imminent switch to Paris Saint-Germain.

The Italians may have to do the same to lure Le Normand to the Diego Maradona Stadium. Sociedad are reluctant to negotiate the defender’s sale unless his €50m release clause is triggered.

But Napoli won’t come near that price. Over the years, they’ve become known for cost-effective signings, and splashing out such a substantial figure on a defensive player doesn’t fit their modus operandi.

Unfortunately for De Laurentiis, the Basque heavyweights are in a perfect bargaining position, as the 26-year-old’s contract in San Sebastian runs out in 2026.

Le Normand ticks all the boxes for a type of player the Partenopei are looking to recruit, but his prohibitive price tag could still deter them from making a move.

Wolverhampton Wanderers stalwart Max Kilman has emerged as a back-up option if the Spaniards stick to their guns and refuse to budge on Le Normand’s valuation.

Napoli have already seen their initial bid for the Englishman rejected by the Molineux outfit, who are poised to throw another spanner in the works by tying their loyal servant to a new long-term deal.

After letting Conor Coady and Nathan Collins join Leicester City and Brentford, respectively, Wolves are unprepared to lose Kilman.