Manchester United are close to finalising a deal for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae, with a house already identified for him in Manchester.
That’s according to Il Mattino, who say that the defender is set to leave the Serie A champions ‘regardless of Napoli’s will’.
They explain that despite the player’s entourage having doubts about a move to Manchester United, the deal with Erik ten Hag’s side is ‘practically done’. Indeed, it is so far down the line that a ‘villa’ has been made available in the exclusive neighbourhood of Alderley Edge.
Kim has a deal worth €9m per season with Manchester United on the table, although the Reds have not yet met with Napoli.
That is a simple step, and somewhat of a redundant one too, as they are ‘preparing to pay’ the centre-back’s €65m release clause.
The amount of that clause has fluctuated in reports, and €65m is the highest figure reported so far.
What will not be happening is the inclusion of any players to bring the price down, with Napoli president Aurelio de Laurentiis making it clear he won’t accept any such arrangement.
It’s explained Manchester United ‘will try’ to include Victor Lindelöf as part of the agreement but De Laurentiis ‘only wants cash’ and that is only an idea at this point.
Either way, it’s said Kim has a contract in place with those in charge at Manchester United, as well as a house waiting for him, which would suggest this deal is now very close to being concluded.
