According to reports, Manchester City are leading rivals Manchester United in the race to sign Napoli midfielder Kim Min-jae.
Pep Guardiola is looking to strengthen the defense in the transfer market. Now, it looks like Cityzens made it a priority to sign the 26-year-old.
Min-jae has been one of Napoli's most important players this season. So they won't let the defender go on the cheap. Indeed, the centre-back has made 33 Serie A appearances this season, helping Napoli win their first league title since 1990, with five games remaining.
In the process, Min-jae has helped keep 16 clean sheets so far and scored two goals. His superb performances have caught the eye of many top clubs, but a move to the Premier League seems the most likely.
A release clause in his contract - effective July 1-15 - allows foreign clubs to withdraw him for a fee of around €52m (about £45.6m). in this summer. As noted by TEAMtalk, Man Utd is very interested in the Korean player. But, Chelsea also have Min-jae on their radar.
In fact, they are said to be willing to use Kalidou Koulibaly and Christian Pulisic as counterweights to convince Napoli to work with them.
Man City plots to transfer Min-jae
However, according to agent Vincenzo Morabito, it is Man City that is leading the race to sign Min-jae this summer.
Speaking to Kiss Kiss Napoli, quoted by Sport Witness, Morabito said:
“Fans shouldn't be upset. "It's normal when we talk about the transfer market now. Kim? I think Manchester City are more likely than United.
It comes amid reports from Italy that Man City are hunting for Min-jae. So there certainly seems to be something to this story.
As mentioned, Guardiola is keen to sign a new centre-back this summer. Aymeric Laporte has been closely linked with leaving the Etihad, with interest from both Tottenham and Barcelona.
Therefore, Cityzens will have to bring in someone to replace him and Min-jae is a great choice.
Strong, good in the air, proficient with the ball at his feet and experienced in winning trophies - Min-jae has everything Guardiola is looking for in a defender.
As mentioned, the Napoli star has a release clause of around £45.6m. So if Man City hit that amount, convincing Min-jae to join them would be just a matter of time, surpassing both Man Utd and Chelsea.
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