Manchester City are 'ready to make a late move' for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae, according to reports.
City are closing in on making their first signing of the summer as Mateo Kovacic had a medical on Friday ahead of a £25million move from Chelsea. He is not the Blues' only midfield target though as they look to further replace the departing Ilkay Gundogan.
New defenders are also at the top of Pep Guardiola's agenda, especially as the futures of Aymeric Laporte, Joao Cancelo and Kyle Walker are uncertain. The trio all have varying complaints about their lack of game time last season and might seek a summer move.
Should any of them depart then City will definitely need to strengthen their defensive options, which has led to links with Napoli's Kim. The South Korea international increased his standing in the game significantly this past season after playing a crucial role in his side's historic Serie A title win.
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He has been linked with a big move all summer, with Manchester United credited with a heavy interest as Erik ten Hag looks to bolster his own defensive ranks with Harry Maguire earmarked to be sold. Kim reportedly has a release clause in the region of £50million which is said to come into effect in July.
FootballInsider reports that United have dropped their interest in the 26-year-old with Bayern Munich in pole position to sign him. However, it's now added that City are monitoring the situation and could make a late swoop. Though City want a centre-back this summer, RB Leipzig's Josko Gvardiol is the current top target.
Meanwhile, City have also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain star Achraf Hakimi. If Walker and Cancelo both depart then City will certainly need to bring in at least one full-back to replace them, even if they have been playing with four centre-backs across the back line in 2023.
Marca reports City wants to sign Hakimi and would not baulk at the massive fee the Parisians would demand, while Mundo Deportivo claims Hakimi is seeking to leave PSG due to the negative atmosphere surrounding the club.
