Newcastle look to ‘hijack Manchester United’s pursuit of £42m Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae’

Newcastle have expressed interest in signing Kim Min-Jae after Manchester United identified the Napoli defender as one of their main targets for the summer transfer window.

United manager Erik ten Hag is looking to strengthen his defensive line ahead of the 2023-2024 season and has called the South Korea international one of his main targets.

However, Ten Hag will have to fend off interest from Newcastle as the Magpies look to strengthen their rear after securing Champions League football.

According to talkSPORTEddie Howe has identified Kim as the defender he would like to sign during the summer transfer window.

The South Korea international has a release clause in his contract valid for the first half of July – which Howe will try to activate.

The South Korea international has an escape clause in his contract that runs until the first half of July

Erik ten Hag (left) and Eddie Howe (right) battle to sign the £42million defender

Kim caught Howe’s eye after helping Napoli win the Serie A title for the first time since 1990, despite being in his first season at the club.

However, Howe faces an uphill battle to sign Kim as a “transfer to Premier League giants Manchester United is all but done”.

Up to four United defenders are expected to leave this summer, and the Dutch manager believes Kim will be the perfect replacement.

Kim made 33 top appearances in Italy and boosted them with strong performances in their promising Champions League campaign.

Kim only arrived at Naples at the start of the season after securing a three-year deal with an option for the club to extend the deal for a further two years.

Napoli paid £16 million (€18.5 million) for Kim to bring him to Campania from Turkish Süper Lig club Fenerbache as they wanted to replace Kalidou Koulibaly.

Therefore the Red Devils should pay the defender’s release clause, which the Serie A side have reportedly set at £56 million