Aheed Abrar
Liverpool overtake Manchester United in race for Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae
Premier League rivals Liverpool have ‘overtaken’ Manchester United in the race for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae, according to Foot Mercato (h/t The Sun).
The Merseyside outfit are keen on the South Korea international, who the Red Devils are also being linked with. However, at the moment, the Anfield side are leading the pursuit of the centre-back.
Apart from Jurgen Klopp’s team and the Old Trafford side, French giants Paris Saint-Germain are also eyeing the 26-year-old. However, the Partenopei are now looking to tie him down to a new contract with a £79 million release clause.
Another English top-flight team, Tottenham Hotspur, also have Min-jae on their radar. However, the South Korean has no intention of parting ways with the Serie A giants anytime soon.
Luciano Spalletti’s team are flying high this season. The Naples-based club are on course to win the Scudetto for the first time in 33 years.
Min-Jae has been a key part of Napoli’s success in the current campaign. The 26-year-old has made 36 appearances in all competitions for the Partenopei, scoring two goals and providing one assist.
Liverpool’s backline has been leaking goals this season. In the 4-1 defeat to Manchester City, their frailties at the back came to light once again. The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez have all struggled this season.
As for United, Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez have been the go-to centre-backs for Erik ten Hag since his arrival. The Dutch manager also has Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof at his disposal.
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Therefore, we evidently have enough quality in defence. Even if any of our defenders decided to leave next summer, it would be wise to sign a low-priced backup player to reinforce the backline rather than someone with the talent of Min-jae.
