Manchester United are inching closer to signing Kim Min-jae from newly-crowned Serie A champions Napoli in the summer.
Sport Witness, via various sources, has revealed Manchester United are close to securing Kim Min-jae ahead of the summer window. The 26-year-old centre-back has had an exceptional season with Napoli and has attracted plenty of interest, with the Red Devils the current favourites.
Erik ten Hag would want swift decisions from the Manchester United board regarding new signings. Unlike the last years, the Dutch manager wants to bring in players quickly rather than wait until late in the window before bringing players in.
Manchester United have many needs ahead of the new window, including a new centre-back. The defensive reinforcements are still considered secondary to midfielders and attackers. But the club might sense a great market opportunity.
Kim Min-jae had emerged on their radar, and the news about a move has been rife for the past few weeks. The Red Devils were ready to push for a transfer imminently, with the player also reportedly keen to sign for ten Hag.
If reports are true, Manchester United have also offered the 26-year-old centre-back a bumper package. Napoli would have ideally wanted to keep him and even offer him a new deal. But the financial package from the Red Devils may have trumped the efforts by the newly-crowned Serie A champions.
Moreover, reliable reports have informed the presence of a release clause that may stay active for two weeks in July. That buyout option gives top clubs a sniff at signing the 26-year-old Serie A centre-back. Liverpool were also looking at the centre-back, but they had other priorities before turning an eye to the backline.
Manchester United could invest in Kim Min-jae, provided they can get a few existing stars out the door. While they are keen on handing Victor Lindelof a new deal, the time may be up for Harry Maguire at Old Trafford.
As for Kim Min-jae, he would improve their backline and also provide competition for Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez next season. A move for the 26-year-old centre-back could also allow ten Hag to utilise Luke Shaw in his preferred left-back role.
