Manchester United are eyeing a sensational swoop to snap up South Korea defender Kim Min-jae following his heroic performances at the World Cup.
The 26-year-old is one of South Korea's most influential players and has been instrumental in Qatar, where his nation have booked a spot in the last 16 for just the third time in their history.
Min-jae's impressive performances at the tournament have alerted a host of European heavyweights who are increasingly keen to prise the centre-back away from Napoli. The Italian league leaders only signed the Fenerbahce man to replace Kalidou Koulibaly in the summer however.
Min-jae has already established himself as an integral player at Napoli, who have caught the eye in the Champions League and opened up an eight-point lead at the top of Serie A.
However it's been revealed that Luciano Spalletti's side are already sweating over Min-jae's future at the Stadio Diego Maradona. That is, according to Calcio Mercato due to a €45million (£38m) release clause in the defender's contract.
And although Napoli are keen to wipe out that clause by rewarding Min-jae with a new, improved deal, the likes of United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are already circling.
Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis is 'ready' to start negotiations over a new deal with Min-jae's representatives, but it remains to be seen if the interest of some Europe's biggest clubs will hamper those attempts.
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Losing Min-jae just months after signing him would represent another major blow for Spalletti's side, who have responded admirably after losing Koulibaly, their previous defensive lynchpin, in the summer to Chelsea.
Despite impressing for South Korea during their historic run in Qatar, Min-jae is a major doubt for their last 16 showdown with Brazil later this week due to the calf injury that forced him to sit out the dramatic win over Portugal.
"They all did well but now we need even more," Min-jae said following the win over Portugal. "I was sorry not to be on the pitch. It was difficult to watch from the bench, but the injury I suffered didn't allow me to be at 100 percent, so in such an important game we felt it was better not to risk it."
The Napoli ace has insisted, however, that he is determined to face the five-time world champions - even if it means he runs the risk of injuring himself more severely.
When he was quizzed over his chances of facing Brazil, Min-jae replied: "I want to do everything to be there, I'm ready to play even at the cost of getting more seriously injured."
