Manchester United have learned how much it will take for them to sign Napoli star center-back Kim Min-jae this summer.
The South Korean international has been strongly linked with a switch to Old Trafford, having enjoyed a mightily impressive first campaign in Serie A.
Kim, 26, has been an integral member of Luciano Spalletti’s side – who clinched Napoli’s first Serie A title in 33 years earlier this week.
But Napoli – who have turned heads by winning the league at a canter after making a profit on transfers last pre-season – could be prepared to part ways with their defensive rock in the next window.
According to Corriere dello Sportthe Partenopei would listen to offers of €60m (£53.3m) for Kim – who joined for €18.1m (£16m) from Fenerbahce last July and is currently valued at £50m (£44.3m) by Transfermarkt.
Kim was seen as the successor to Kalidou Koulibaly following his departure for Chelsea – and it’s fair to say the 6ft 3in defender has lived up to that billing.
He’s started 33 of Napoli’s 34 Serie A games this term, with the Partenopei keeping 16 clean sheets in the process (out of 17 overall).
As his stock has risen in recent years, Kim has inevitably been the subject of widespread transfer speculation – but it’s not something he particularly likes hearing. Speaking in March amid talk of a move to United, he said:
“As you know, those rumors are not true at all. I want to focus on my team … It’s been four or more years I have had these rumors. It’s uncomfortable. I wish you [the media] don’t spread those stories.”
Kim featured as Napoli beat Fiorentina 1-0 at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday, in their first home match since being crowned champions.
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