Man Utd ‘close’ to agreeing five-year deal for £42m defender despite Newcastle United ‘talks’

Man Utd are expected to have a busy summer as they prepare to compete in the Champions League next season
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Manchester United are closing in on a deal for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae with a five-year contract offered to the South Korean centre back.

The 26-year-old played a key role as Napoli lifted the Serie A title for the first time since 1990 but he has a release clause of £42m at the Italian club which will become active on July 1.

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It has led to interest from a number of clubs with Nicolò Schira reporting the Red Devils are ready to pay the fee and give Kim a contract until the summer of 2028.

However, Erik ten Hag’s side could face competition from Premier League rivals Newcastle United who have also held talks with the player.

The Sun reports the Red Devils remain favourites to sign the player but talks were held between Kim’s representatives and Newcastle chiefs at the end of last season.

Newcastle have also qualified for the Champions League and will be keen to strengthen their options in the centre of defence with Fabian Schar and Sven Botman the current first-choice pair.

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Man United are also eager to bolster their options with Harry Maguire poised to leave this summer with the England international linked with a handful of Premier League clubs.

Kim is currently undergoing military service in his home nation and will make a decision on his future when he returns. He will provide stern competition for Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez if he signs for the Old Trafford club.

Meanwhile, there are reports in France that Man United are close to a deal for Monaco and France defender Axel Disasi.

The 25-year-old joined Monaco in 2020 but wants to make the switch to Ten Hag’s side with L'Equipe reporting all that remains is for the two clubs to agree a deal.