Transfer Centre

Tottenham Hotspur to rival Manchester United for Napoli's Kim Min-jae?

By Ben Knapton, Senior Reporter | 19 March 2023

Tottenham to rival Man United for Kim Min-jae?

Tottenham Hotspur reportedly join Manchester United in the race to sign Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae, who will be available for £43m for two weeks in July.

Manchester United will reportedly face competition from Tottenham Hotspur to land the signing of Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae this summer.

The South Korea international has been an imposing figure in the Partenopei backline this term as Napoli continue their charge towards a first Serie A title since 1990.

Kim has scored two goals and set up one more in 26 Serie A games this season, allowing Luciano Spalletti's champions-elect to build up a 21-point lead at the top of the rankings.

The former Fenerbahce man has also played an integral role in the Champions League, starting all eight games as Napoli prepare to face AC Milan in the quarter-finals.

Kim only signed a three-year deal upon his arrival in Naples last summer, and those terms are due to expire in 2025, although both parties have the option to trigger a further two years.

Napoli's Kim Min-jae in action with AC Milan's Junior Messias in September 2022 © Reuters

Nevertheless, Napoli will seemingly face an uphill battle to retain the centre-back's services beyond the summer, as Man United continue to be linked with a swoop.

However, Football Insider claims that Tottenham have also entered the race to sign Kim, having already tried and failed to prise him away from Napoli this season.

Kim's contract supposedly includes a £43m release clause that is valid for just two weeks in July, and such a fee would prove more than affordable for Spurs and Man United.

Liverpool are also said to be keeping tabs on the South Korean's future, but the Reds are already at a disadvantage, as Kim views Champions League football as a prerequisite at his next club.

While Tottenham's spot in the top four is safe for the time being, they could soon be usurped by Newcastle United, who are only two points behind the Lilywhites with two games in hand.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Antonio Conte pictured on March 11, 2023 © Reuters

Antonio Conte's side failed to leapfrog Man United into third courtesy of a 3-3 draw with Southampton on Saturday, as the Premier League's basement side came from two goals down to steal a point.

Tottenham's collapse sparked a furious post-match rant from Conte, who hit out at his players for their "selfish" attitude ahead of his expected exit at the end of his contract this summer.

Whether Conte stays in North London, a new permanent centre-back is expected to be high on the Lilywhites' agenda, with Clement Lenglet set to return to Barcelona following his loan spell.

Eric Dier has failed to perform consistently, while Joe Rodon, Davinson Sanchez and Japhet Tanganga - the former of whom is currently on loan at Rennes - are all facing uncertain futures at the club.

Tottenham return to action after the international break with a trip to Everton on April 3, while Man United - who beat Fulham 3-1 to advance to the FA Cup semi-finals on Sunday - travel to face Newcastle United on April 2.