(Football news) Manchester United are on the hunt for a new centre back as they are interested in Napoli’s new hero Kim Min-jae but no such deal has been agreed. The South Korea international has been in stunning form for Napoli this season and has played a key role in securing their first Scudetto in 31 years. According to several reports, he’s agreed personal terms but accepting a fee with Napoli will be difficult. The South Korean international has made 43 appearances, scoring two goals and achieving 15 clean sheets in Serie A.

Naples-based outlet Il Mattino reported that the 26-year-old has agreed to join the Red Devils as it also states thatNapoli have already started the search for a centre-back to replace Kim. He only joined from Fenerbahce last summer for a fee of £15 million and has clearly exceeded everyone’s expectations. While it’s unclear just how much a deal would cost now as it’s been suggested that United will have to pay somewhere around £43 million and £52 million to get him to Old Trafford.

For Man United this deal could prove to be a huge boost as Injuries to Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have left Ten Hag short of options in defence this season. Harry Maguire’s place in the team is under threat and could be the first player out of the team next season under Erik ten Hag. Adding a defender is a big priority for United going into the new season, meaning that Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire are facing uncertain futures at the club. Both players have found first-team football hard to come by meaning that they could move on to different ventures.

Kim’s release clause is €60 million and it applies to foreign clubs only as Napoli director Aurelio De Laurentiis held a meeting with Kim’s agent on the 10th of May, with a view to review the terms of the player’s current contract as he wants to increase his release clause and salary. He is earning €2 million per season and Napoli are ready to offer €4.5 million per season. But according to reports United are ready to hand Kim a major boost in salary by offering him €7 million per season.

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