Napoli defender Kim Min-jae has said he is 'disturbed' by the transfer links that involve him, with Manchester United reportedly interested in the player.
The South Korea international has starred in Serie A this season, scoring two goals from 14 appearances and keeping five clean sheets in the process.
He spent the previous season at Turkish giants Fenerbahce, before making the move to Italy for a fee of £17 million in July.
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Writing in his column for FotMob, Serie A expert Matteo Bonetti described Kim as 'unbelievably good', and 'the most impressive defender in the league' this season.
The 26-year-old won September's Player of the Month award for Italy's top flight, and also played in each of Napoli's six Champions League group stage games as Luciano Spalletti's side topped their group ahead of Liverpool.
It comes as no surprise, therefore, that other clubs are keeping tabs on the player.
According to the Daily Mirror, United have reignited interest in Kim, after initially tracking him prior to his move to Fenerbahce in 2021. At the time, he was also of interest to Tottenham.
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Journalist Antonio Corrado claimed on Italian TV station Tele A (via AreaNapoli) that the player's representatives had held talks with an unnamed English club in November
It has been reported that Kim has a £38 million release clause in his contract, which would naturally alert clubs to his potential availablity.
The player himself has now addressed rumours of interest from United.
Kim Min-jae addresses Manchester United speculation
Speaking to You Quiz on the Block (quotes via Daily Mirror), Kim gave a definitive response to any rumours linking him with a move to another club.
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He said: "There are a lot of transfer stories around me, but I've only been at Napoli for six months.
"I've avoided interviews, and one of the reasons is that the rumours about me disturb me."
Napoli boss Spalletti, meanwhile, spoke of his confidence of keeping Kim at the club after his return from the World Cup, where he helped South Korea to reach the last 16 stage.
"I don't think he will leave Napoli," Spalletti stated (via BeSoccer). "Kim is very comfortable here, and I think he is in the right place.
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"There are probably clubs that have more history, but less in terms of passion. When you get in touch with the feeling of Neapolitans, it becomes difficult to compare even with clubs in big leagues like the Premier League."
Topics: Manchester United, Napoli, Premier League, Transfers, Football World Cup
Ryan Smart