South Korea international Kim Min-jae has distanced himself from speculation linking him with a move to Manchester United - insisting that talk of a transfer "disturbs" him.
Min-jae was one of South Korea's most influential players during their impressive World Cup run before they were eliminated by Brazil in the Round of 16. The 26-old-produced a string of eye-catching performances as Paulo Bento's side defied expectations by qualifying from a group that included Portugal, Ghana and Uruguay.
Napoli only acquired Min-jae's services in the summer, but already, the Italian club are believed to be ready to open discussions over a new deal to fend off interest from elsewhere.
Manchester United and Tottenham have been touted as potential destinations for the in-demand centre-back, who was snapped up Napoli following a sensational season with Fenerbahce in Turkey last year.
Calcio Mercato had claimed earlier this month that there is a €45million (£38m) release clause in the defender's contract - but Min-jae has attempted to cool talk that he could switch clubs again, admitting that he has been uncomfortable with the rumours that have circulated since the World Cup.
Speaking to You Quiz on the Block, Min-jae admitted: “There are a lot of transfer stories around me, but I’ve only been at Napoli for six months. I’ve avoided interviews, and one of the reasons is that the rumours about me disturb me.”
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After claims that Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis is 'ready' to open talks over a new, improved contract for Min-jae, United may have to turn their attention to other targets if Erik ten Hag is intent on bolstering his defensive options in the New Year.
The Dutchman splashed out in excess of £45m to bring Argentina centre-back Lisandro Martinez to Old Trafford in the summer and also has Old Trafford captain Harry Maguire waiting in the wings.
Maguire lost his spot in the United team in the opening weeks of the season and has endured a difficult 18 months. But after producing a string of commanding displays for England at the World Cup, Ten Hag has insisted that the door remains open for Maguire.
Speaking earlier this week, the United boss said: "I've been asked many times if he is good enough to play for me and it is clear he is good enough to play at the highest level. He has, for England, almost all the time good games. Yes he had a period in Manchester where he performed badly and then of course there are difficulties.
"But when he is confident in himself, he will put that on the pitch. When he is working hard you will get that confidence and you are seeing that with the way he is playing for England.
"We want him to bring that back to Manchester with him so he can bring it on the pitch for Manchester United. I expect from him, the team knows what they expect from him. If he does that he will be a great player for us."
