Newcastle attempt to hijack Manchester United’s pursuit for £42m Napoli defender
Newcastle are prepared to push for Kim Min-jae’s signature this summer, despite interest from Manchester United.
Napoli defender Kim Min-jae is a wanted man after winning the Serie A in his first season at the club.
Kim arrived in Naples at the start of the season after securing a three-year contract with an option for the club to extend the deal for an additional two years.
Napoli paid £16 million for his signature as they looked to replace Kalidou Koulibaly.
It is understood Erik ten Hag wants to strengthen his defence ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, with the South Korea international listed as one of his primary targets.
However, it looks like United will need to fend off interest from Newcastle. The Magpies defended well last season but Eddie Howe knows he needs more quality to compete in the Champions League.
According to talkSPORT, Howe has identified Kim as the defender he would like to sign in the summer transfer window.
They will need to act quick because Kim, who must carry out military service this year, has a release clause in his contract valid for the first half of July.
The buyout clause is reportedly set at £42 million.
We know that United have been looking at Kim throughout the season, so Newcastle face an uphill climb if Ten Hag’s interest is as strong as Italian newspapers suggest.
A number of United’s current defenders face uncertain futures. That’s why it makes sense to go out and find an upgrade on Harry Maguire.
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