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Manchester United are through to their second knockout tournament final of the current campaign, after emerging victorious against Brighton during their FA Cup semi final clash over the weekend.
The Red Devils have performed admirably under new manager Erik ten Hag this term, bringing an end to a wretched six year trophy drought with a 2-0 win against Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley in February.
United are also on course for a top four finish in the league, which would seal their place in Europe’s top tier knockout tournament, the Champions League, next season.
Ten Hag’s men are nowhere close to being the finished article however, and there is plenty of movement expected in the summer transfer window.
A number of names have been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent months.
One name that refuses to go away is Napoli centre back Kim Min-jae.
The South Korean has been in imperious form for the Italian side following his €18 million move from Turkish giants Fenerbahce last summer.
Drafted in as a replacement for the outgoing captain and club legend Kalidou Koulibaly after his transfer to Chelsea was finalised, Kim Min-jae has taken to his new surroundings like a duck to water, guiding the Parthenopeans to the brink of what will be their first league title in over three decades.
His commanding performances in the heart of the Napoli defence this term have had many labelling him as the next outstanding defensive talent in the world.
The likes of PSG, United, Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool have all tracked Kim’s progress in Naples, with a view to a permanent signing in the summer.
Now, according to a new report from Sun and Calciomercato, Manchester City have joined the hunt for the 26-year-old.
Pep Guardiola has reportedly earmarked the 26-year-old as a key target for the summer, and the noisy neighbours will rival United for his signature.
The Citizens are not light in the CB department, with the likes of Nathan Ake, John Stones, Manuel Akanji, Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias all playing a part in proceedings this term.
The reigning PL champions have repeatedly strengthened in defence over the years, however, and they may choose to do so again by signing one of the most in-form defenders in world football.
Kim has a release clause just north of £40m which is only valid for a few days in July, and Napoli are aware that it will be extremely difficult to hold on to their star man in defence with so many top sides vying for his services.
The South Korean remains an interesting proposition for the Red Devils.
With doubt surrounding the futures of club captain Harry Maguire and Sweden skipper Victor Lindelof at Old Trafford, United’s long standing interest in the Napoli man might just culminate in a transfer enquiry come July.
Wherever he does eventually land up, this summer promises to be an interesting one for Kim Min-Jae.
