The transfer saga continues at Manchester United and this could signal what is about to happen all summer. In a change of events, United have looked to get deals done quickly so that players can join pre-season as early as possibly and be integrated into Erik ten Hag’s side rather than being shoehorned later on and a player not really hitting their groove until the end of September.
With the more than likely departure of Eric Bailly and more importantly club captain Harry Maguire, there is a space for another player at the heart of the defence. One name has been talked about a lot and there was reason to believe that he had already agreed personal terms.
Who is the main centre back target for Manchester United?
The main man ten Hag wants is Kim Min-jae of Napoli. The South Korean has impressed this season as Napoli went on to lift the Serie A for the first time since Diego Maradona in 1989/90 season.
Having only just joined from Fenerbahçe, where he had only spent one season as well, at the start of the season he has taken Europe by storm as he replaced the formidable Kalidou Koulibaly. Showing many traits of a modern centre back, Kim Min-jae is able to pass out from the back and win his aerial duels well.
With a release clause in his contract of just £51.5m, Napoli are keen for the South Korean to sign a new contract but are realising they may be unable to do so with other clubs swarming around like vultures.
Who also wants him?
Manchester United are not alone in their pursuit and they are potentially not the favourites to sign Kim.
Reports started circulating that PSG would be interested in a deal for Kim and that they would be the favourites to sign him over Manchester United. Newcastle United were also seen as admirers.
But it is in fact Bayern Munich who are the ones in the driving seat to sign the Napoli man. Despite a lot of the effort from Bayern going towards Declan Rice, they seem to have ended their pursuit and are looking to reinforce the defence.
With the deal reportedly done between him and ten Hag, it will be a real kick in the teeth if the Dutchman loses out to the German giants.