Newcastle United plan to hijack Manchester United target

Newcastle United are reportedly considering hijacking Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae from Manchester United.

Kim has been on United’s radar following an excellent and historic 2022/2023 season with Napoli.

According to a report from TalkSport, Champions League-bound Newcastle are the latest to indicate interest in Kim, who has a release clause of £42 million.

The South Korean defender has been the subject of intense speculation, with reports linking him with a move to Manchester United.

United manager Erik Ten Hag is said to be a huge admirer of the 23-year-old and is keen to activate his release clause.

However, the Red Devils are set for a transfer war with fellow Premier League side, Newcastle, who have now emerged as a possible destination for the Korean.

The Magpies and their manager Eddie Howe are keen to strengthen their squad ahead of their return to the Champions League for the first time in 20 years.

Kim has become one of the most sort after defenders in Europe, just two years after he arrived at Turkish giant Fenerbahce in the summer of 2021.

He joined Napoli last summer for £18 million, just a year after he joined the Turkish side. Kim played 45 matches for Napoli last season and scored two goals.