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Manchester United have edged closer to signing Napoli defender Kim Min-jae amid recent talks, according to the latest reports.
Club captain Harry Maguire has been made available for transfer as the club look to create squad space and free up funds as they push for Min-jae and other targets this summer.
Kim, 26 years old, has been linked with a summer transfer to Old Trafford for months, despite having moved to Naples only a year ago.
United manager Erik ten Hag desires to add another elite central defender this summer to compete with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez for a starting position.
Both defenders have dealt with injury concerns this season, with left back Luke Shaw coming in at center-back frequently to cover their injuries.
South Korean international Kim starred in his club’s remarkable Serie A championship season, but his contract contains a release clause that eliminates the need for negotiation with interested clubs willing to pay it.
Napoli size up transfer targets as Kim Min-jae departure looks certain
Gazzetta dello Sport reported on Sunday that Lens defender Kevin Danso leads Napoli’s shortlist of four candidates as they prepare for life without Kim. The Italian champions are also considering Fiorentina defender David Hancko and Japanese internationals Hiroki Ito and Ko Itakura of Stuttgart and Borussia Moenchengladbach, respectively.
A report published by CalcioNapoli24 earlier this week detailed how Kim bid farewell to Napoli’s fans and his teammates after their final Serie A game of the season, a win over Sampdoria last weekend.
According to the same report, Napoli would like to retain the South Korean star but cannot contend with United’s financial offer.
According to Calciomercato, several encounters between the player’s entourage and United transfer officials have already taken place, and an agreement is close. Moreover, it is rumored that Kim’s release clause does not activate until July, indicating that no transfer will be confirmed in the coming weeks.
Gazzetta dello Sport, has reported that Napoli insiders are ‘taking it for granted’ that Kim will join United in the summer, while Corriere dello Sport claims the defender will be starring at Old Trafford next season.
Maguire set to depart Man United as Ten Hag wants upgrade
This season, Maguire has fallen to fifth in the pecking order, behind Shaw and Victor Lindelof, and there are Premier League contenders for the club captain. Ten Hag wants the club to sell the England international in order to increase his summer transfer budget.
The Sun reports that United will contemplate a loan exit for defender Harry Maguire to Aston Villa, but if Newcastle and Tottenham show interest in the player, the Red Devils will demand a permanent deal. Prior to their demotion, Leicester were also interested in re-signing the England international.
Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are departing as free agents at the conclusion of their respective contracts, and additional defenders are expected to leave as Ten Hag continues his ruthless approach at the club and reshaping the roster to meet his demands.
Alex Telles and Eric Bailly, who are returning from loan stints with Sevilla and Marseille, will be made available for permanent departures. Other high-earners with uncertain futures include Antony Martial and David De Gea.
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