Manchester United appear to be closing in on the signing of Napoli star Kim Min-jae with a replacement already identified.
The Red Devils have been chasing the South Korean defender for the last few months as they attempt to bolster their defence. It has been reported that United officials have held numerous rounds of talks with the reigning Serie A champions regarding a deal and it appears that a breakthrough is close.
Napoli insiders are apparently confident a move will go through this summer and have already put plans in place to deal with his exit. According to CalcioMercato, United will activate the €60million written into his contract.
They will then offer Kim a €7million (£6million) per year contract to become the club’s first signing of the summer transfer window. As a deal edges towards completion, Napoli are reportedly interested in signing Atlanta defender Giorgio Scalvini as a potential replacement.
Man Utd may have to wait before a transfer can officially go through though. It is also suggested that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis wants to sort out the managerial situation first after current boss Luciano Spalletti left the club after helping the club to the Serie A title.
Speaking about Kim’s talents, the Italian said back in March: “I've seen few players in my life and career with the skills and qualities of Kim Min-jae. He's incredible, always aggressive — he deserves to start every game.
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“Kim does at least 20 incredible things per game, for me, he truly is the best centre-back in the world. When he starts the run with the ball at his feet, he can get it into the opposition penalty area in five seconds flat.”
Kim only arrived in Naples last summer in a bargain move from Turkish side Fenerbahce. The 26-year-old has made 45 appearances in all competitions since then and played a key role as Napoli ended their long wait for a Serie A crown.
In moving to Old Trafford, Kim will finally seal a move to the Premier League. Former Man Utd and Tottenham boss Jose Mourinho previously admitted that he was keen to take him to North London.
The now Roma head coach previously said: “I can tell you a story about one of their players. I spoke to him on FaceTime and wanted to buy him at Tottenham, but Tottenham didn't help me.
“I had some FaceTime calls with him — our bid was €5m (£4.3m), Fenerbahce wanted €10m (£8.6m) for Kim and for Tottenham that wasn't possible at that point. Now look at Kim and his level, he's a top player.”
