Manchester United may have been given the green light ahead of a potential move for defensive target Kim Min-jae.
The South Korean centre back has drawn widespread praise after starring for Napoli in their Serie A-winning campaign in 2022-23.
The Red Devils, though, could win the race to land his services for next term and are considering activating the player's £51million release clause, as per Italian reports.
The reports suggest the player has already held talks with United over a move, with an agreement thought to be close, according to Calciomercato.
According to CalcioNapoli24, the 26-year-old hasn't wasted any time in expressing his opinions and is rumored to have said his goodbyes to teammates in advance of a switch this summer.
Calciomercato reports that the player's release clause does not go into effect until July, so a deal for his services is probably not going to happen until then.
While it will undoubtedly prove aof defending the Scudetto next term, Napoli are thought to be resigned to losing their star at the back.
Several Italian outlets have already been quick to report that Kim will be a United player next term.
It is perhaps no surprise, given the solidity he has provided Napoli with keeping 20 clean sheets in 45 appearances, scoring twice and providing two assists along the way.
The 26-year-old will follow South Korea's law requiring all physically fit men between the ages of 18 and 28 to participate in mandatory military training.
This will only last three weeks, having been granted the same dispensation as Tottenham's Son Heung-min, meaning he will only be called on for three weeks, rather than the 18-21 months required by regular citizens.
The reigning Italian champions have reportedly highlighted highly regarded youngster Giorgio Scalvini as a like-for-like replacement, with the 19-year-old impressing for Atalanta.
Due to the likelihood that Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane will remain in the starting lineup, defense is not believed to be a top priority for United this summer.
Erik ten Hag is thought to be keen to provide greater back-up options and competition, with several defensive players set to leave the club this summer.
With Phil Jones and Axel Tuanzebe due to leave on the expiration of their respective contracts, Harry Maguire is also widely tipped to be on his way out of Old Trafford, leaving just Victor Lindelof as natural back-up.
Eric Bailly and Alex Telles - on loan at Marseille and Sevilla - are also set to end their time at United as part of a mass clear out.
The Red Devils will be targeting a goalkeeper, striker and attacking midfielder in particular, although a move for Kim seems likely next month.
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