Manchester United may be forced to look beyond Kim Min-jae this summer but alternative target Axel Disasi has already hinted he could be interested in a move.
United manager Erik ten Hag is thought to have had Kim in his sights for some time, with the Dutchman keen to add more quality and depth in central defence. Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane have cemented their places as the first-choice pairing, but injuries to both in April highlighted a fragility in that area.
Ten Hag's decision to pull Luke Shaw into a more central role left club captain Harry Maguire on the bench, and the 30-year-old could leave United this summer with a lack of game-time potentially seeing him lose his England place ahead of Euro 2024.
Kim's outstanding season with Napoli seemingly saw him placed atop the shopping list. Reports even went as far as to suggest the South Korean had all but agreed terms ahead of his £50million release clause becoming active in July. But United now look set to miss out on Kim who is reportedly close to joining Bayern Munich.
ALSO READ: United can't afford to fall into Mason Mount trap
United will have alternative options on their radar and Disasi is name that has emerged. The 25-year-old was one of Monaco's standout performers in a season that promised so much but ultimately failed to deliver Champions League qualification as the club finished sixth. And Diasi's desire to see him compete at the highest level could put United on high alert.
“We are talking about the Champions League of course," Disasi told GOAL in May of his desire to play in Europe's top competition. "The Europa League, I know that competition. But it's true that when I talk about it with Dayot (Upamecano) or Ibrahima (Konate), I want to taste it and I want to give myself the means to be there.”
A desire to be part of the Champions League next season could see Disasi leave Monaco this summer, but he will not be short of options across the continent who can give him what he wants. And speaking in April, the centre-back was asked about a potential move to England.
“The Premier League? Everyone knows the quality, the passion, and the spectacle that there is in this championship," he admitted. "For all players that like football, this championship will speak to them. It’s true that when I say these things, there are flashes in my head of Boxing Day and things like this. But, as I said, we’re not there yet."
United will face competition for Disasi's signature over the summer, and that is no bad thing. Any player worth their salt should be attracting interest from across Europe, and it is the job of each club to convince that they are the best option.
Talks behind the scenes will cover all areas, but Disasi has already made clear his desire to playing the Champions League and his admiration for the Premier League so the Reds would enter any potential talks hopeful, knowing they can offer both.
READ NEXT
