Bayern Munich have moved into the driving seat to sign Napoli defender Kim Min Jae ahead of Manchester United this summer, it has been reported, with the Red Devils set to have to look elsewhere for alternatives.
Erik Ten Hag’s side have been strongly linked with a move for the South Korean defender, who scooped Serie A’s defender of the season award and helped Napoli to their first Serie A success since the 1980s last season.
Just 12 months into his stint in Italy, Kim seems set to leave with strong interest from around the continent and a release clause written into his contract, with the Red Devils one of those sides interested.
However, they could well be blown out of the water by Bayern Munich, who are keen to find a solid defensive partner for Matthijs de Ligt and have identified the Korean star as a potential option.
According to reports in both Germany and Italy, ‘the Bavarians strongly want the Napoli defender, and are ready to pay the release clause’, which is thought to sit at around £50m.
It is added that Thomas Tuchel’s side are ‘currently in pole position’ for the defender, which could force United to look elsewhere for reinforcements in defence to replace the wantaway Harry Maguire.
They have been linked with a move for Leeds United defender Robin Koch should they fail to sign Kim, but it is thought that their current priorities this summer lie in central midfield and in signing a striker.
