The agent of Napoli defender Kim Min-jae has suggested that Manchester United MUST qualify for next season’s Champions League if they are to land the South Korean international.
Kim, 26, has been linked with a summer switch to Old Trafford for months despite only moving to Naples last year. The South Korean international enjoyed a tremendous campaign as he starred in the club’s remarkable Serie A title-winning campaign, but his contract is believed to contain a £43million release clause.
The Italian champions are said to be resigned to the possibility of defender Kim exiting this summer. They have gone as far to identify Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini as a direct replacement in their squad for next season, in anticipation of Kim’s exit.
Kim is in talks to join Manchester United this summer but his entourage have now played down suggestions that the deal is at an advanced stage. He has however claimed that qualification for the Champions League next season could be pivotal in negotiations.
United are in a strong place to record a top four finish and qualification for next season’s tournament. They currently sit fourth in the standings and are four points clear of Liverpool, in fifth, with just three rounds of action remaining this campaign.
Last weekend’s two-goal win over Wolves eased United concerns over a top four finish after back-to-back defeats away at Brighton and West Ham. They require two victories from their final three games, starting on Saturday at Bournemouth before home games against Chelsea and Fulham.
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United have earmarked South Korean star Kim as a key summer target and the player has been convinced of a move. It comes after Red Devils boss Erik ten Hag insisted that players are now desperate to move to United despite some hesitancy last summer when he took the job.
Speaking to Star News Korea, via Football Italia, the player’s agent said when speaking of his client’s future: “We still don’t know which English clubs will qualify for the Champions League next term.”
Playing in the competition is likely to be decisive for Kim – who only joined the Italian club a year ago from Fenerbahce. He played a pivotal role in helping land the club’s first league title in 33 years, proving to be the bedrock of the defence after replacing Kalidou Koulibaly.
