Manchester United need just one more point to secure a place in the top four and are gearing up to bolster their squad ahead of next season's Champions League campaign.
The deal to bring Kim Min-jae to Manchester United from Napoli is almost done.
The Korean defender has been outstanding for Napoli this season, winning the Serie A title in his first season in Italy after joining Fenerbahce. However, with the centre-back reportedly having a €65m (£56.5m) release clause, United are keen to attack while the iron is hot.
Erik ten Hag is keen to strengthen his squad this summer after a win over Bournemouth moved them close to a top-four finish. While attacking reinforcements is a big priority, a new centre-back is also a big priority. So, and Kim seems to be the main target. According to Il Mattino (via Sport Witness), a deal for the 26-year-old is 'almost done'. The same report suggests United have found a home for the defender ahead of time, based in affluent Alderley Edge - a popular location for footballers.
It has been suggested that Kim could be involved in a potential swap deal. However, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis will only want the cash rather than a deal involving Victor Lindelof.
Kim has played 33 Serie A games this season to help Napoli win the Scudetto for the first time since 1990. But Luciano Spalletti's side will now have to find a new starting centre-back to defend their title.
United can claim their place in the top four with just one point against Chelsea on Thursday, after their win over Bournemouth was further bolstered by Liverpool's loss at home to Aston Villa. Even if United lost to Frank Lampard, a point at home against Fulham on the last day would suffice.
Casemiro's first shot proved the difference as United won at Vitality Stadium on Saturday. Erik ten Hag's side had the opportunity to score the opening goal but instead they had to rely on David de Gea to give them the lead and take three points. Ten Hag said: "The only criticism is that we didn't finish the game, we had to score the second goal, but this team is like that. "It's not easy to score."
He describes the struggles as "symbols" to his team's campaign. "However, we have scored more than 100 goals in the season," he added.
"That's a lot. But beyond that, we played a lot of games. What we need to improve is to score easier because it makes life easy because now we have to fight until the end [the match]."
United are three points ahead of Liverpool with one game less, and Jurgen Klopp's side need Roberto Firmino's late equalizer against Villa to keep their four slim prospects alive. Klopp's men faced relegated Southampton on the final day of the season, but the fourth team were able to overtake them by that point.
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