Manchester United’s move for Serie A star hijacked by Bayern Munich

Manchester United will begin their 2023/24 Premier League campaign by welcoming Wolves to Old Trafford. 

Manager Erik ten Hag enjoyed a successful debut season in England having joined the club from Ajax last summer.

The Dutchman guided United to victory in the Carabao Cup and reached the final of the FA Cup, as well as overseeing a third-placed finish in the Premier League table.

Ten Hag will undoubtedly be looking to bolster his squad ahead of next season, but it appears that United may have missed out on one of their top transfer targets.

As per Football Insider, German champions Bayern Munich are planning to hijack United’s move for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae.

The report claims that United have been working hard on a deal for the centre-back, who played a crucial role as Napoli won the Serie A title this season.

Bayern are now said to have made a move for the defender, though, and are hoping to seal a move quickly.

Kim was in fine form for Napoli this season

Kim, 26, joined Napoli from Turkish side Fenerbahce last summer and made 45 appearances across all competitions this term, including 35 in the league.

The player’s current contract with the Italian side, which is set to run until 2025, reportedly earns him around £50,000-per-week but includes a release clause.

The clause, which is believed to become active next month, is reportedly set at £60 million which would represent a healthy profit on the £15.4 million that Napoli reportedly paid for the player.

Ten Hag is said to be keen to add at least one central defender to his squad ahead of next season, and Kim is believed to be top of the club’s list of targets.

His first choice central defensive pairing of Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane both suffered with injuries at times last term, and Ten Hag is therefore keen to bolster his options.

Current centre-back Victor Lindelof, who played a bit-part role this season, faces an uncertain future at the club with his contract set to expire next summer.