17 May 2023 , 09:59
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Kim Min-jae's representatives have shut down speculation regarding a potential move to Manchester United and claim the proposed transfer is "not true".
The centre-back has had a tremendous impact in his first season at Napoli, featuring 33 times as Luciano Spalletti's side romped all the way to the Serie A title. Min-jae played a huge role in that success and was also part of the team that made it to the Champions League quarter-final, eventually losing out to AC Milan
Min-jae has been linked with a move away from Napoli in recent weeks and has been targeted by several Premier League clubs, including Man Utd and Tottenham. It had been reported that the 26-year-old had already agreed to become a United player, however, his agent has rubbished those rumours.
"The transfer to Manchester United is not true," the Napoli defender's agent toldStar News. "Currently, Kim Min-jae is focusing on finishing the season.
"In the case of the English Premier League, the qualification to the Champions League or the final standings have not been decided. There is no need to move."
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United could be on the lookout for a new defender this summer in the event either Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof depart the Red Devils in search of more game time. Lindelof has been a regular in recent weeks following injuries to Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane, with Luke Shaw partnering him in central defence.
Kim Min-Jae could leave Napoli this summer (Getty Images)Maguire, meanwhile, has been shifted to fifth-choice centre-back and may be ready to leave United and move to a side he can get more consistent minutes. This could see Ten Hag dip into the market and add another world-class, ready made defender to his set-up and Min-Jae is certainly in the conversation.
Champions League qualification would be a major draw for players wanting to join United, although Casemiro, Antony, Martinez, Tyrell Malacia and Christian Eriksen weren't put of by the lack of that last summer. But Ten Hag sees being in Europe's top club competition as a massive attraction to players.
"I see a big difference in comparison with last year," Ten Hag said. "There were a lot of reservations last year when I spoke with players and now many players see the project, what's going on, the dynamic and the ambition in this project, the quality especially.
"They are really keen to come, I've noticed that. It looks like there were a lot of reservations last year, a lot of doubts when we approached players. This year, many quality players really want to come."
Min-Jae could be one of many players to come to United this summer as Ten Hag bolsters his squad, with a new striker amongst the rest of his priorities. Min-Jae's club teammate Victor Osimhen has been linked with a move, while Harry Kane remains on the agenda for a transfer.