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Manchester Evening News
Manchester Evening News
Sport
Ross Jackson

Former Manchester United defender explains why Erik ten Hag should snub Kim Min-jae deal

Former Manchester United defender Mikael Silvestre has advised Erik ten Hag to stay clear of a move for Kim Min-jae this summer.

The Napoli man has been linked with a move to Old Trafford after his stellar showings in Serie A and the Champions League this season. The former Fenerbahce centre-back only arrived at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona last summer but his impressive displays mean he's already being linked with an exit.

As well as being in the market for a striker and a central midfielder, Ten Hag could be on the hunt for a defender when the transfer window opens. MEN Sport understands club captain Harry Maguire may be allowed to leave Old Trafford, while there's also speculation that Victor Lindelof could look for a move in search of regular first-team football.

Read more: Porto goalkeeper Diogo Costa breaks silence on transfer links

It's being reported in Italy that Kim has a £43million release clause should a club wish to prise him away from the newly-crowned Serie A champions, but Silvestre has warned United that the 26-year-old would not be an upgrade on their current options and so should be avoided.

“I like him. I like him but for me, I haven’t been overly impressed. Especially when I compare him to the likes of [Lisandro] Martinez and [Raphael] Varane,” Silvestre told bettingexpert.com.

"I don’t see him coming in and breaking that partnership. Especially when you have Lindelof who has done extremely well as a back-up. I think United are okay in that department.”

While a defender could well be on Ten Hag's wishlist this summer, the club are set to prioritise the signing of a world-class striker and a midfielder. MEN Sport understands personal terms have been agreed with Mason Mount while Harry Kane remains their priority striker target, though alternatives are being considered in the event Daniel Levy refuses to sell to a Premier League rival.

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