Newcastle have registered an interest in signing Kim Min-Jae after Manchester United identified the Napoli defender as one of their key targets for the summer transfer window.
United manager Erik ten Hag wants to strengthen his defensive line ahead of the 2023-2024 campaign and named the South Korea international as one of his primary targets. However, Ten Hag will have to fend off interest from Newcastle as the Magpies are looking to reinforce their back line after securing Champions League football.
According to report , Eddie Howe has identified Kim as the defender he would like to sign during the summer transfer window. The South Korean international has a release clause in his contract valid for the first half of July which Howe will look to activate.
Kim caught Howe’s attention after helping Napoli win the Serie A title for the first time since 1990 despite being in his first season at the club. However, Howe faces an uphill battle to sign Kim as a ‘transfer to Premier League giants Manchester United is practically done’.
Up to four of United’s defenders are expected to move on this summer, and the Dutch manager believes Kim will be the perfect replacement. Kim made 33 top-flight appearances in Italy and spurred them on with strong performances in their promising Champions League campaign.
Kim only 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 £16million (€18.5m) for Kim to bring him to Campania from Turkish Super Lig club Fenerbache as they looked to replace Kalidou Koulibaly.
