Man City offer ‘risk’ to Bayern Munich transfer as Man Utd deal looks increasingly unlikely

Manchester City have reportedly entered the race to sign Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae.

The South Korean international has been on the radar of Manchester United this summer and reports in Italy recently claimed United would wrap up a deal for the defender in early July. However, since then, Bayern Munich have been heavily linked with a move for Min-jae, and Fabrizio Romano tweeted to claim the 26-year-old is ‘prepared to accept’ the German champions’ offer.

“The release clause will become valid on July 1 — unless other clubs send new bigger salary proposal next week, Kim will join Bayern,” the journalist added.

However, a fresh twist on Tuesday saw City cited as another side who are interested in signing Min-jae, with German reporter Philipp Kessler claiming there is concern at Bayern as City pose a ‘risk’ to the transfer being completed.

United and City are both expected to sign a centre-back this summer, with the two clubs also facing departures in that area.

For the Red Devils, Erik ten Hag is willing to allow Harry Maguire and Eric Bailly to follow Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe out of the club. Neither Maguire or Bailly are in the United manager’s first-team plans, while Victor Lindelof is another who could move on, although that looks less likely. United are expected to recruit at the heart of defence given those departures, but the club's lack of financial resources could make that difficult, as could the uncertainty surrounding the takeover.

As for City, Aymeric Laporte could well depart this summer after slipping to fifth choice centre-back this season. Josko Gvardiol is seen as the primary target for the European champions in this summer’s market.

In the midst of a potential transfer battle between City and Bayern for Min-jae, Kyle Walker has also been linked with a switch to the Allianz Arena, while Joao Cancelo, who spent last season on loan at Thomas Tuchel’s side, is also reportedly set to leave City.