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Napoli 'open to Kim Min-Jae sale amid Manchester United links'

Napoli 'open to Kim Min-Jae sale amid Man United links'
© Reuters
Napoli are allegedly open to cashing in on defender Kim Min-jae rather than risk the in-demand South Korea international running down his contract.

Napoli are reportedly open to the sale of defender Kim Min-jae during the summer transfer window.

Ahead of this season, Kim was somewhat of an unknown quantity having only played one year in a European league, that coming with Turkish giants Fenerbahce in 2021-22.

However, having been signed by Napoli to replace Kalidou Koulibaly, the 26-year-old has emerged as one of the most sought-after players on the continent.

The South Korea international has been one of the star performers in Italian football, making 34 starts in Serie A and the Champions League to keep Napoli on track for an unprecedented double.

In recent days, Kim has acknowledged his frustration with constant talk over his future, stating that he only wishes to focus on life in Naples.

Napoli's Kim Min-jae in action with AC Milan's Junior Messias in September 2022© Reuters

Over the international break, Kim said: "As you know, those rumours are not true at all. I want to focus on my team. I have many tournaments to play It's been four or years I have had these rumours. It's uncomfortable. I wish you don't spread those stories. I cannot be bothered by transfer rumours because they aren't true.

Although Kim was referring to alleged interest from the likes of Manchester United, there is said to be a £42m release clause which will become active for a short period this summer.

While there is a perception that Napoli would like to keep Kim for as long as possible, Get Football News Italy say that president Aurelio De Laurentiis may be tempted into a sale.

The report suggests that the Napoli chief has been left determined not to encounter a similar position to what he experienced with Kalidou Kouliably, who left for Chelsea for £34m when he had a year left on his contract.

Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis attends the press conference on March 22, 2023© Reuters

As it stands, Kim has a deal until 2025, and there is seemingly an awareness that his peak valuation will come this summer if he does not pen fresh terms.

Napoli would likely have to receive a proposal well in excess of the alleged £42m release clause, something which is realistic if Kim continues to impress over the coming months.

With United said to be open to selling Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire, a move for Kim may become a priority ahead of a fresh Premier League title push next season.

Tottenham Hotspur, believed to be long-term admirers of Kim since the days of Jose Mourinho, are also allegedly contemplating whether to make a formal approach, depending on who they secure as their new head coach.

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Napoli's Kim Min-jae pictured on November 12, 2022
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