Newcastle plan to hijack Manchester United transfer rights for Napoli's Kim Min-jae.
Kim has played a key role in pushing Napoli to win their first Scudetta in 33 years this season, having featured in 35 of the club's Serie A matches.
The Korean player's form is so good that his coach, Luciano Spalletti, even named him one of the best defenders in the world in March.
And naturally, Kim's performances have seen him linked with a move to the Premier League. Indeed, earlier this month, the Italian publication Corriere dello Sport announced that Kim was ready to travel to Manchester for a medical. Advertisement
Il Mattino later said the 26-year-old's move to Old Trafford was 'done'.
While such claims may seem premature, it is widely reported that United are pursuing Kim, who according to Fabrizio Romano has a release clause that will take effect in July and is worth just under $50 million. euros (£43 million).
Newcastle interested in Kim
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According to the Spanish newspaper Fichajes, Newcastle participated in the bid for Kim.
Indeed, the report even claims that the Magpies are 'leading the race' to sign the Napoli defender, who has already qualified for next season's Champions League.
Meanwhile, Napoli hope Kim stays, having recently signed for the club last summer. The South Korea international played against Bologna on Sunday as Napoli played their penultimate match of the season and after the game Spaletti insisted he wanted Kim to stay at Napoli.
The Italian, who is taking a year off at the end of the season, said:
"I hope Kim stays at Napoli because he's amazing.
"He's the best centre-back in Serie A. I guess he has push notifications on his phone when the ball is on!"
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Sky Sports Germany Florian Plettenberg has announced that Arsenal target Declan Rice will join Bayern Munich this summer after speaking to Thomas Tuchel.
The West Ham United star is a wanted man. Many of the top clubs in the Premier League and abroad are monitoring his situation, and the story surrounding his transfer will be interesting to follow.
Rice has been Arsenal's top target this summer but Plettenberg has now shared some disturbing news for the Gunners.
Bayern MunichDeclan rice
Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images
Arsenal aims Declan Rice to 'open the door' to join Bayern Munich
Arsenal will be very active in the next summer transfer window. The Gunners have come very close to winning the Premier League this season. They were at the top of the table for most of the campaign, but the lack of squad depth caused them to eventually fall behind.
A couple of big additions this summer could give them the momentum they need to challenge for the title again next season, and a player like Declan Rice would be the perfect fit for them.
Multiple reports have surfaced that Arsenal are favorites to sign the West Ham United captain, but a new update from Plettenberg will now sow fear into the hearts of Gooners.
The reporter revealed that Rice and Thomas Tuchel spoke on the phone recently and had a 'good conversation' about a potential transfer this summer. For now, the Englishman seems 'open' to joining the German champions.
However, Plettenberg says Bayern will have to act quickly if they want to sign him. If not, 'he could sign for Arsenal'.
He tweeted:
"Rice Newsletter:
Had a phone call with Tuchel a few days ago! I said it was a good discussion. Two people like each other. Rice is ready to join Bayern & Tuchel. FCB now wants to ramp up its efforts. He is still a transfer target.
"But:
Time is running out because he can sign for Arsenal.
TBR view:
That's a real worry for Arsenal right now.
Rice has also been linked with moves to Manchester United and Chelsea, but it's a race Mikel Arteta will back his side to win after the season they've had. Interest from Bayern Munich could further complicate matters. It's one of the biggest clubs in the world. Joining them will guarantee the title for any player.
It will be interesting to see what happens in the coming weeks, but if Arsenal miss Rice against Bayern it will be a major blow to their plans this summer.
Bayern MunichDeclan rice
Dan Mullan's photo/Getty Images
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