Newcastle planning to 'hijack' move for Man Utd target Kim Min-jae despite 'done deal’ claim

Newcastle are planning to hijack Manchester United’s move for Napoli’s Kim Min-jae.

Kim has been central to Napoli’s surge to a first Scudetta in 33 years this term, having featured in 35 of the club's Serie A games.

The South Korean’s form has been so good that his manager, Luciano Spalletti, even named him among the best defenders in the world back in March.

And naturally, Kim’s performances have seen him linked with moves to the Premier League. Indeed, earlier this month Italian publication Corriere dello Sport claimed Kim was prepared to fly to Manchester to undergo a medical.

Il Mattino then stated that the 26-year-old’s move to Old Trafford was “done”.

While such claims appear to have been premature, United are widely reported to be pursuing Kim, who according to Fabrizio Romano, has a release clause which will become valid in July that is worth a touch under €50million (£43million).

Newcastle interested in Kim

According to Spanish publication Fichajes, Newcastle have joined the bidding for Kim.

Indeed, the report even claims that the Magpies are “currently leading the race” to sign the Napoli defender, having qualified for next term’s Champions League.

Meanwhile, Napoli will be hoping Kim will stay, having only signed for the club last summer.

The South Korea international was in action against Bologna on Sunday as Napoli played their penultimate game of the season and after the game Spaletti stressed that he wanted Kim to stay in Naples.

The Italian, who is taking a year-long sabbatical at the end of the season, said: “I hope Kim will stay at Napoli because he’s incredible.

“He’s the best centre-back in Serie A. I guess he has push notifications on his phone when the ball is around!”