Napoli defender Kim Min-jae has been linked with a move away from the club at the end of the season.
The 26-year-old South Korean has been a key player for the Italian club as they won the league title this year. According to journalist Bruno Andrade, Newcastle and Manchester United are willing to pay the asking price for the highly-rated defender and the magpies are currently leading the chase for his signature.
The 26-year-old has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Italian league and his performances have caught the attention of the two Premier League clubs. Both Newcastle and Manchester United need to bring in defensive reinforcements this summer and Kim Min-jae could prove to be a solid acquisition.
The 26-year-old is at the peak of his powers right now and he could make an immediate impact in the Premier League. He has the physical and technical attributes to succeed in English football as well.
Newcastle have managed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League and they need to improve the squad so that they can compete with the european elite next season. Improving their defence could prove to be a wise decision.
The South Korean international could form a quality partnership with Sven Botman at the heart of the defence. Newcastle already have one of the best defensive units in the country, and it seems that Eddie Howe is looking to add to his strengths now.
Meanwhile, Manchester United will have to bring in better defenders compared to Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof in the coming weeks. Kim Min-jae could prove to be an upgrade on both players, and he could partner with the likes of Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez at the heart of Manchester United’s defence.
Both Newcastle and Manchester United have the financial resources to sign the player and it will be interesting to see where the 26-year-old ends up.
Manchester United are a bigger club with more prestige, but Newcastle have an ambitious project and they have the financial resources to put together a formidable squad and challenge for major trophies soon.
Both clubs would represent an exciting opportunity for the player and it remains to be seen how the situation develops.
