Manchester United's approach to Napoli's Kim Min-jae could be scrapped, according to a report, with the centre-back having to undergo military training.
United are said to be trying to lure Kim out of Napoli, with a flurry of reports suggesting the Old Trafford club could trigger a £40m release clause in the South Korean player's contract.
The 26-year-old has made 34 Serie A appearances this season as Napoli won their first Scudetto in 33 years.
And United have been tipped to pay Kim's release clause, which will only be in effect from July 1 to 15.
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However, one factor that could derail the defender's summer transfer plans is his mandatory military service this summer. Kim Min-jae doing his military service
According to CalcioNapoli24, Kim's enlistment was scheduled for June and July in his hometown in South Korea.
The service will last three weeks even though Kim was a member of the South Korean team who was exempted from military service after winning a gold medal at the Asian Games.
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Indeed, it is an alternative duty that focuses on imparting basic and preparatory military training to South Korean military cadets.
Tottenham star Son Hueng-Min, who was also a member of the 2018 Asian Games winning team, started training two years later.
Of course, Kim will likely be in South Korea for the 15 days his release clause goes into effect, which could make leaving Napoli more complicated. Advertisement
However, should United strike a deal, Kim would be a great addition to their ranks.
Luciano Spalletti hailed Kim as one of the "best central defenders in the world" earlier this season.
The Napoli manager explained why Kim became such an important player alongside him in March, saying:
“I have seen very few players in my life and career with skills and qualities like Kim Min-jae.
"He's amazing, always aggressive - he deserves to start every game. Kim does at least 20 great things every game, for me he's really the best centre-back in the world." Advertisement
"When he starts running with the ball in his foot, he can get the ball into the opposition box in just five seconds."
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