MX23RW : Wednesday, December 18 22:09:35| >> :60:1519:1519:

Manchester City make late bid for Manchester United-linked Kim Min-Jae?

Man City make late bid for Man United-linked Kim Min-Jae?
© Reuters
Manchester City are reportedly ready to get involved in the hotly-contested race to sign Napoli defender Kim Min-jae.

Manchester City have reportedly identified Napoli defender Kim Min-jae as a potential transfer target.

Earlier this month, Pep Guardiola's side completed the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League treble, with the Spaniard finally delivering the latter after seven years at the club.

However, a number of changes are expected to occur to the first-team squad with midfielder Ilkay Gundogan making a notable exit to Barcelona.

From a defensive standpoint, Kyle Walker and Aymeric Laporte could each depart for pastures new, transfers which would force Guardiola's hand in the transfer market.

If reports are to be believed, RB Leipzig's Josko Gvardiol is Guardiola's priority target, the Croatia international capable of playing at centre-back and left-back.

Manchester City head coach Pep Guardiola on June 10, 2023© Reuters

Nevertheless, according to Football Insider, Guardiola is toying with the idea of getting involved in the race for Kim ahead of next month.

During a two-week period in July, a release clause in the South Korea international's contract will become active, naturally leading to widespread interest.

Bayern Munich are deemed to be the clear favourites to wrap up a deal, recently moving ahead of Manchester United who appeared ready to add Kim to their squad.

As it stands, though, United are restricted in the market due to their ongoing takeover process, and their current efforts are centred on Chelsea playmaker Mason Mount.

Napoli's Kim Min-jae pictured on November 12, 2022© Reuters

City are now seemingly ready to act as Bayern's main competition with the clause - said to be in the region of €50m (£43m) - representing value for money.

The 26-year-old has spent just one year with Napoli, starring in their Serie A title-winning campaign with 35 starts being made in the Italian top flight.

Although Napoli would prefer to retain the services of Kim, they stand to nearly treble their money with Kim costing just €18m less than 12 months ago.

Kim has only spent two years in European football, his first year on the continent coming at Fenerbahce where he made 40 appearances for the Turkish giants.

ID:516966:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5339:
Written by
Darren Plant

Click here for more stories about Kim Min-jae

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Chelsea's Mateo Kovacic during the match on January 12, 2023
Read Next:
How Man City could line up with Kovacic, Rice, Gvardiol
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool15113131131836
2Chelsea16104237191834
3Arsenal1686229151430
4Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest168442119228
5Manchester CityMan City168352823527
6Bournemouth167452421325
7Aston Villa167452425-125
8Fulham166642422224
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton166642625124
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1672736191723
11Brentford167273230223
12Newcastle UnitedNewcastle166552321223
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd166462119222
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham165472129-819
15Crystal Palace163761721-416
16Everton153661421-715
17Leicester CityLeicester163582134-1314
18Ipswich TownIpswich162681628-1212
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1623112440-169
20Southampton1612131136-255


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!