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‘As Soon as Possible’: UCL Club Now Working on ‘Last Details’ to Steal Star From Under Man Utd’s Nose

According to football insider Florian Plettenberg, Bayern Munich are closing in on the signing of Napoli centre-back and Manchester United target Kim Min-jae.

Manchester United Target Kim Min-jae Closing In on Move Elsewhere

Kim Min-jae Close to Bayern Munich Move

South Korea defender Kim Min-jae, who was instrumental in Napoli winning their first Serie A title since 1990, is set to leave the Italian side this summer. Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg reported that the first personal meeting have already taken place between Bayern Munich officials and Kim’s representatives.

The German champions are keen to finalise the deal as soon as possible and are hopeful it can be completed in the coming days, with the contract set to pay £8.5-10 million gross per year.

Kim made 45 appearances for Napoli last season, but his contract with the Italian champions contained a £42.6million release clause which Bayern were quick to take advantage of.

Regarded as being comfortable with the ball at his feet, Kim would be an ideal signing for Thomas Tuchel who likes his centre-backs to play out from the back. He was also one of the most dominant defenders in the air last year.

Read More: Manchester United About to Get Serious About £67K-Per-Week Target

Manchester United set to miss out

Kim had reportedly been one of Erik ten Hag’s top targets this summer. After negotiations between the defender and United heated up, the South Korean had reportedly given them “more than a promise” to move to Old Trafford.

However with Bayern close to securing the signing, United may have to move onto other targets.

Fabrice Hawkins reports that Erik ten Hag is in pole position to sign Monaco defender Axel Disasi, despite interest from Arsenal and Chelsea.

Although the deal appears close to done for Kim Min-jae and Bayern Munich, the release clause can’t be activated until the 1st of July. Which leaves the door ajar for a last-minute bid.

Read More: ‘Have to Act Now’: Fabrizio Romano Issues Transfer Update on Defensive ‘Rock’ Chased by Manchester United

Main image credit: Lewis Clarke, CC BY-SA 2.0.

About David Wyatt-Hupton

David has been a freelance sports writer for nearly 15 years, working with a number of publications including Bleacher Report, SB Nation and a number of independents. He's a fan of Norwich City FC, the Bundesliga and Japanese football, and lives in the United Kingdom with his wife (Katie) and two daughters (Freya & Millie).

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