Kim Min-jae: Man United learn Bayern Munich’s price for South Korean star | OneFootball

Manchester United are showing “serious interest” in Kim Min-jae as Bayern Munich name their price for the 29-year-old defender, according to a report from Germany.

Bolstering the Backline

Despite Michael Carrick boasting five senior centre-backs in his squad, INEOS are continuing to scour the market for options to bolster the backline, even though the focus remains on midfield.

Initially, it was believed the decision to extend Harry Maguire’s contract had eased the pressure to sign a central defender this summer. As a result, younger options to provide a successor to the 33-year-old Englishman were being targeted, such as Tromso speedster Sedi Kinteh or Tottenham Hotspur colossus Luka Vuskovic.

However, more experienced centre-backs have come back under consideration in recent weeks, with the continued injury concerns of Matthijs de Ligt, who has not played since November due to a  long-term back issue, and Lisandro Martinez‘s continued fragility likely driving this pivot.

A bombshell raid for Tottenham Hotspur captain Cristian Romero was reported by an Argentine journalist earlier this month, while a more affordable deal for Borussia Dortmund stalwart Waldemar Anton was also being explored. But Min-jae has emerged as another target on the radar, with United previously interested in the South Korea international in 2023 after he helped lead Napoli to their first Serie A title in 33 years.

Once Bitten, Not Shy

Despite the links to Old Trafford, Min-jae joined Bayern after the German giants triggered the £43 million release clause in his contract at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, signing a five-year deal. However, he has fallen down the pecking order since Vincent Kompany arrived the following summer, with the Belgian tactician opting for Dayot Upamecano and Jonathan Tah as his favoured combination last season.

CF Bayern Insider reveals the Bavarians are open to selling Min-jae if an “offer worth between £26m and £34.5m arrives this summer” – an availability which has put United on red alert over a potential swoop.

The report states the Red Devils are “seriously interested” in another chance at securing the 6’3 defender, while Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur have previously expressed interest.

However, Bundesliga expert Christian Falk claims Serie A side Juventus are the frontrunners to sign Min-jae, even though he is an option for United.

“Min-jae Kim is on the list at Manchester United. However, I heard that a deal is hotter with Juventus in Italy,” Falk states. “That said, it’s not certain that the South Korea international will even leave Bayern Munich, as he’s enjoying his role at the club. Let’s see what happens with Juventus; then perhaps talks will open with United if things don’t work out with the Serie A outfit.”

If Bayern are demanding up to £34.5m for a player who turns 30 in November, INEOS will almost certainly turn their attention elsewhere, regardless of the concerns regarding the existing cohort of centre-backs at Old Trafford.

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