As the Red Devils appear prepared to enter into negotiations regarding a move for the South Korean defender, Kim Min-jae of Napoli, it is believed that Manchester United is increasing its interest in the player.

What’s new with Kim Min-jae joining Manchester United?
Rudi Galetti, a journalist and transfer insider, claimed on Twitter that the Old Trafford club has already gotten in touch with the player’s representatives and is eager to “open talks” with the Serie A champions.

“MUFC want to strengthen the defence in the summer,” he admitted. Kim (Napoli) is on their list; the initial contact with the [Korean’s] agents has already been made, and Man Utd is now prepared to start speaking with Napoli.

To expedite the process, “the [English] club could pay the release clause.”

It appears that Erik ten Hag and company could activate the 26-year-old’s purported €50 million (£43 million) release clause this summer, as new defensive reinforcements are likely to be required in light of reports that club captain Harry Maguire may be allowed to leave.

What kind of play is played by Kim Min-jae?
Intriguingly, according to Forbes, the former Fenerbahce center-back has been ‘compared’ to United legend Nemanja Vidic because of his tough defensive style. It is hoped that Kim will go on to prove to be the perfect successor to the now-retired titan.

The truth is that the Red Devils have yearned for a reliable defensive pairing ever since the days of Vidic and Rio Ferdinand, as players like Eric Bailly, Marcos Rojo, Victor Lindelof, and Harry Maguire all failed to firmly establish themselves in the backline in the post-Sir Alex Ferguson era.

In the case of the Serbian colossus, the 36-cap ace moved to Manchester in 2006 and went on to win five Premier League championships and make 300 appearances during his time there. Ryan Giggs, an ex-teammate, praised him as “probably the best defender” that the Welshman ever played with.

With another former teammate, Gary Neville, having previously said: “He has been an outstanding performer, a good old-fashioned defender who loves to head the ball and loves to tackle,” the dominant brute was especially praised for his no-nonsense defence.

He is contagious in the way he inspires those around him to defend similarly.

Kim-Man-United-Vidic-Premier-League-transfer
Undoubtedly, Kim shares Kim’s imposing nature; the 6 foot 3 sensation has been praised as “extraordinary” and like a “iron barrel” by teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, and has also been referred to as a “leader” by fellow countryman and former United player Park Ji-sung.

With 14 clean sheets in 33 league starts so far and averages of 1.6 tackles and 1.2 interceptions per game as a measure of his defensive prowess, the £54k per week machine has proven crucial in assisting his current team’s quest for Scudetto glory this season.

Kim, who has scored twice and provided two assists in Serie A this season, is a real threat in the attacking sense, much like Vidic, who registered 21 goals during his time at the Theatre of Dreams. Ten Hag’s team could use Kim’s versatility to great effect.