Manchester United are reportedly keeping tabs on Napoli defender Kim Min-jae, with the South Korea international having impressed since arriving in Italy in the summer.

What’s the word?

Recent reports have claimed that the Red Devils are one of the sides who are lining up a move for the 26-year-old at present, alongside the likes of fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur and Serie A giants, Juventus.

Journalist Carlo Garganese – speaking to GIVEMESPORT – has now provided an update on United’s interest in the 46-cap gem, with the transfer insider revealing that Erik ten Hag’s may have a brief window next summer to exercise the centre-back’s release clause.

He stated: “I know they’ve been scouting him. I actually know this; I wrote about this maybe a month or two ago. United’s scouts have been looking at Kim Min-jae, he only joined Napoli this past summer. But the key with him is he has a minimum fee release clause in his Napoli contract, and it’s only around about €50 million (£43m).

“It’s only valid for foreign clubs, but the key is that it’s only valid for two weeks. I’m not sure about the exact timing, but I think it’s at the start of July, or some point in July, though I’m assuming it’s at the start of July.”

Imagine him and Martinez

This comes amid recent reports that claimed Ten Hag is looking to strengthen his backline in the near future, with the Dutchman seemingly willing to move on club captain Harry Maguire to facilitate that upgrade.

The 29-year-old has made just three starts in the Premier League this season after losing his place in the side to summer signing Lisandro Martinez, with the latter man having formed a promising pairing with Raphael Varane in recent months.