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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
George Smith

Manchester United 'pushing forward' to sign Napoli defender and more transfer rumours

Manchester United are 'pushing forward' with a plan to sign highly-rated Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae ahead of this forthcoming summer's transfer window.

That is according to a report by Italian news outlet Corriere dello Sport, as cited by Inside Futbol, who claim that United are ramping up their interest in the defender. The South Korean international has enjoyed an excellent debut campaign in Italy and is said to be attracting plenty of interest ahead of the summer.

United, despite investing more than £50million in signing Lisandro Martinez last summer, could look to bolster their central-defensive options again ahead of next season if either Victor Lindelof or Harry Maguire leave the club. The duo, despite Lindelof's recent run in the team, have not played anywhere near as much as they would have liked this season and at least one of them could be sold.

READ MORE: United plan for next season's squad could see them sign five players

In the event of that happening, United would have to top up their pool of centre-back options and Kim is reported to be a possible candidate. He is also reportedly attracting interest from Tottenham Hotspur and it is them who United are supposedly rivalling for his signature.

Kim has played a key role in helping Napoli clinch their first Serie A title in 33 years this season, adapting to life in Italy with ease. He joined the club from Turkish outfit Fenerbahce last summer and has exceeded all expectations.

The report claims that United are 'ready to come in' with an offer of €60million for him. Kim has a buyout clause in his contract that allows him to leave Napoli between July 1 and July 15 for a set price.

Meanwhile, Sporting Lisbon centre-back Goncalo Inacio is said to be 'interested' in a move to United. That is according to a report by Portuguese newspaper O Jogo, who claim that a move to Old Trafford 'appeals to the player' and United have already made their move.

The 21-year-old, who is a product of Sporting's academy, is reportedly attracting interest from several big-name European clubs after some eye-catching performances this term, particularly in the last-16 of the Europa League against Arsenal. He has been a regular fixture for the Portuguese club this season, making 48 appearances in all competitions, as well as chipping in with three goals.

It is claimed that his agent, Miguel Pinho, has spoken to Sporting about the prospect of his client departing this summer. The report adds that he wants to leave and it is now down to his suitors to put together an offer that can be presented to the Portuguese club.

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