Jakarta –
Newcastle United set to corner Manchester United in hunt for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae. The Magpies are ready to make up for the value of the release clause for the player from South Korea.
Kim became the backstop of Napoli’s defense last season, when they managed to win the Scudetto for the first time in three decades. His performance in 45 appearances attracted Manchester United.
Manager Erik ten Hag is looking for the right formula for MU’s back line next season, and Kim is considered to fit into his playing scheme. The 26-year-old defender can be an upgrade from Harry Maguire, who was rarely trusted to appear last season.
But Newcastle was also hunting for Kim. The Daily Mail reports that The Magpies have expressed interest in the Tongyeong-born player. They need to strengthen the team because they will also appear in the Champions League next season.
Kim reportedly has a £56 million release clause that will become active next month. Both Newcastle and MU are not expected to object to this nominal.
MU is slightly ahead in this race, something that is only natural considering that Newcastle have appeared recently. The Red Devils are reported to have agreed with Kim, and have even looked for a house for Kim to live in if he moved to Manchester.
They also stress that Kim will have a key role to play at the club, which will overhaul its back line in the summer. Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are certain to leave, and Eric Bailly and Maguire are believed to follow.
Napoli actually still want Kim to stay. Moreover, he has only spent one season in Naples after being bought for 18.5 million Euros from Fenerbahce last summer. But if the pay is high, Partenopei seems to be difficult to refuse.
Newcastle is not only after Kim. They are also eyeing James Maddison, who headed out of Leicester City after they were relegated.
(adp/krs)
2023-06-09 10:00:30
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