Transfer Talk: United in talks over Napoli centre-back Kim

Jamie Gordon
LiveScore
Minjae Kim has been a rock at the heart of Napoli's defence
Minjae Kim has been a rock at the heart of Napoli's defence

Manchester United have stepped up their hunt for a new centre-back by entering discussions with Napoli over Minjae Kim.

Erik ten Hag is desperate to improve the spine of his team as he looks to return the glory days to Old Trafford.

And according to reports in France, talks are already underway to bring Kim to the North West.

The 49-cap South Korea star, 26, missed just one match as Napoli won the Serie A title with four games to spare.

Conceding just 23 goals so far, the Partenopei's formidable defence was a key part of their title charge and Kim was the rock at the heart of it.

United have moved on from Harry Maguire under Ten Hag with Raphael Varane often partnering Lisandro Martinez and more top-quality options are needed.

Kim would not come cheap, however, and Ten Hag has more pressing needs in central midfield and up front.

The Guardian claim United are set to enter the race for West Ham star Declan Rice, who has been strongly tipped to join Arsenal, with Chelsea's Mateo Kovacic a cheaper alternative.

Tottenham talisman Harry Kane appears to be the club's top target to lead the line in what would be another huge outlay for the Red Devils and their potential new owners.

In other news

Mateo Guendouzi could return to the Premier League from Marseille
Mateo Guendouzi could return to the Premier League from Marseille

West Ham are considering former Arsenal playmaker Matteo Guendouzi as a potential replacement for Declan Rice, according to The Daily Mirror.

The Express believe Chelsea could use Levi Colwill as a makeweight to beat Liverpool to the signing of Brighton star Alexis Mac Allister.

Roberto De Zerbi's Seagulls are close to landing Germany midfielder Mahmoud Dahoud on a free transfer, suggests transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

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Manchester UnitedSSC NapoliMin-Jae KimPremier LeagueSerie ADeclan RiceWest Ham UnitedArsenalMarseilleBrighton & Hove AlbionLiverpool