Man Utd cleared to complete £43m signing, as Newcastle switch to spectacular double deal for Liverpool target and ex-Man City winger

Newcastle will allow Man Utd to complete the £43m signing of Napoli’s Kim Min-jae after switching focus to a Liverpool-linked centre-back, while a former Man City winger is also wanted at St. James’ Park, per a report.

The future of Kim Min-jae may lay away from Napoli despite the club recently lifting their first Serie A title since 1990. The dominant South Korean centre-back, 26, holds a release clause in his contract that can be activated in a two-week period between July 1-15.

Fabrizio Romano confirmed the clause is set at a touch under €50m (approx. £43m). Man Utd appeared to be on pole position for the move after numerous reports in Italy claimed an agreement over personal terms had been struck.

Fears Newcastle could hijack the move then swelled, with the Spanish press remarkably stating the Magpies are ‘currently leading the race to secure his signing’.

However, a more reliable report – this time from the Daily Mail – claimed Newcastle are ready to ditch their Kim plans after coming to terms with the fact he’s bound for Old Trafford.

Indeed, the Mail confirm Newcastle hold interest in Kim, though ‘believe Manchester United are leading that chase’.

What’s more, Newcastle are reportedly mulling a raid for Kim’s fellow Serie A centre-half, Perr Schuurs, instead.

The classy Dutchman, 23, has been linked with Liverpool who Calciomercato reported were ‘ready to present an offer’.

Torino will reportedly consider bids of around £16m for Schuurs this summer. While midfield additions will dominate the landscape at Anfield in the coming months, Fabrizio Romano has confirmed a new centre-half is on the agenda too.

But it’s Newcastle who are mobilising for Schuurs, with the Mail reporting they’ve ‘held discussions’ over the merits of signing the player.

It’s acknowledged Torino will find it difficult to retain the centre-back if suitable offers are lodged. The lure of playing in next season’s Champions League is also an advantage Newcastle hold over Liverpool.

Newcastle eyeing Ferran Torres; Barcelona considering sale

Elsewhere, the Mail also bring news of Newcastle sizing up ex-Man City flyer, Ferran Torres.

The Spain international was signed by Barcelona for £48.4m back in the winter window of 2022. However, the club’s desperate need to free up £160m through either player sales or shedding salary means Torres ‘is a candidate to go’.

Newcastle are casting their eye over the 23-year-old right-footer who can play anywhere across the frontline. Aside from operating on the wings, Torres previously played as a false nine under Pep Guardiola at City.

Torres has notched just seven goals and three assists in 44 outings for Barcelona this season. However, it’s important to note very few of his 44 appearances were starts.

Torres is also Premier League-proven which is a trait Eddie Howe is understood to value highly with regards to his transfer targets at present.

Torres scored 13 goals at a clip of one every 163 minutes in his only full campaign with Man City in 2020/21,

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