Man Utd hopes over Kim Min-jae transfer suffer catastrophic blow as agent delivers ‘no need’ rebuttal

The agent for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae has moved to emphatically dismiss speculation that a summer transfer to Manchester United is as good as agreed.

The Red Devils are busy preparing for what they expect will be another hectic summer window. Indeed, Erik ten Hag is looking to strengthen at all ends of the park and is understood to be seeking at least three major new additions.

And with a new centre-half very much in his thinking, the club are seemingly zoning in on Napoli king pin Kim. The South Korean has enjoyed an excellent season for Luciano Spalletti’s side, helping them end a 33-year wait for the Serie A title.

And his form in the Gli Azzurri rearguard has led to multiple links to a series of big-hitting clubs. Indeed, the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool are among those to have taken notice.

However, in recent weeks it is United who appear to be in the driving seat to secure a deal.

With doubts emerging over Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof, United are reportedly pushing hard to bring Kim to Old Trafford. And with a €47m release clause giving them belief a deal can be done, reports of late claim Ten Hag has been ‘convinced’ to seal his signing.

And those reports have started to gain real momentum amid claims United will pay Napoli a premium rate to get a deal done early.

However, representatives of the Napoli defender have now come out and dismissed the reports.

And they are firmly of the belief that the defender is in no hurry to leave Naples.

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Kim Min-jae Man Utd rumours emphatically dismissed

Speaking to South Korean publication Star News, Kim’s people insist talk of a move to United simply isn’t true.

“The transfer to Manchester United is not true,” Kim’s representatives said.

“Currently, Kim Min-jae is focusing on finishing the season. In the case of the English Premier League, the qualification to the Champions League or the final standings have not been decided. There is no need to move.”

Kim’s military training in June with the South Korean army could halt the progress of any potential move away from Napoli with July the earliest that he could make a move.

His representatives added: “He has to be enlisted in June, so he doesn’t have to rush.”

Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, meanwhile, insists United do have a solid interest in the player.

However, writing in his Caught Offside column, he claims talks are ongoing over a potential deal.

“Manchester United have a strong interest in Kim Min-jae, they consider him a huge talent. However, at this moment they cannot trigger his €47m release clause, because this clause is only valid in early July, not now.

“They like the player and there are conversations happening. But it’s not a done deal because of the release clause situation. Newcastle have also sent their scouts to watch Kim. But they know that Man Utd have been working on this deal for some time.

“Napoli will also try to offer the South Korean centre-back a new deal with a higher release clause. Let’s see what happens.”

Kim is quite regarded as one of the world’s best defenders right now. He effortlessly filled the gap left by Kalidou Koulibaly exit to Chelsea. As such, it’s easy to see why the Italian champions are desperate to tie him to a new deal.

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