Napoli have drawn-up a four-man shortlist to replace Kim Min-jae as Manchester United push for his transfer with Harry Maguire made available for sale.
Kim, 26, has been linked with a summer switch to Old Trafford for months despite only moving to Naples last year. The South Korean international enjoyed a tremendous campaign as he starred in the club’s remarkable Serie A title-winning campaign, but his contract contains a release clause which removes any negotiation process.
United boss Erik ten Hag wants to add another elite central defender to his ranks this summer to compete with Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez for a starting role – both have had injury issues this campaign. Luke Shaw has often been deployed in the position this season.
Maguire has dropped to fifth choice in the pecking order this campaign, behind Shaw and Victor Lindelof, while there are suitors in the Premier League for the club captain. Ten Hag’s desire is for the club to cash-in on the England international to bolster his transfer budget this summer.
On Sunday, Gazzetta dello Sport claim that Lens defender Kevin Danso tops a four-man shortlist for Napoli as they plan for life without Kim. Fiorentina centre-back David Hancko and Japanese internationals Hiroki Ito and Ko Itakura, of Stuttgart and Borussia Moenchengladbach respectively, are also being considered by the Italian champions.
A report in CalcioNapoli24 earlier this week outlined how Kim said his goodbyes to Napoli’s fans and his teammates in their final Serie A game of the campaign – a victory over Sampdoria last weekend. The same report claims that Napoli were keen to keep the South Korean star but cannot compete with United’s financial package.
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In Calciomercato, it was claimed that several meetings have already taken place between the player’s entourage and United transfer chiefs with an agreement close. It is also claimed that Kim’s release clause does not kick in until July – meaning any transfer will not be confirmed in the coming weeks.
According to Gazzetta dello Sport, insiders at Napoli are 'taking it for granted' Kim will be a United player in the summer, while Corriere dello Sport have gone even further – claiming that the defender will be playing at Old Trafford next season.
A report in The Sun claims United will consider a loan exit for Maguire to Aston Villa, but should Newcastle firm up their interest in the defender – the Red Devils will demand a permanent deal, the same is also true for Tottenham. Leicester were also interested prior to their relegation.
Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe are both leaving as free agents at the end of their respective contracts with further defenders set to depart, as Ten Hag continues his ruthless approach at the club and reshaping the squad to fit his demands.
Alex Telles and Eric Bailly, who are both returning from loan spells at Sevilla and Marseille respectively, will be made available for permanent exits. The futures of other high-earners, such as David De Gea and Antony Martial, are also unclear.
