Man Utd have two Kim Min-jae alternatives lined up if bid to sign Napoli star fails

Manchester United are ready to move on to two other targets if their bid to sign Napoli defender Kim Min-jae fails, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.

Kim, 26, is one of the most in-demand defenders in world football after an impressive season in Naples.

The South Korea international made 45 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice, to help Napoli claim their first Serie A title in 33 years.

He is expected to move clubs this summer and has already reportedly bid goodbye to his teammates.

Kim is believed to have a release clause of around €50m (£42.6m) in his contract with Napoli that becomes active for two weeks from July 1.

United were thought to be favourites to sign Kim, with reports last month claiming they had agreed personal terms with the player.

But it now appears as though he is heading to German giants Bayern Munich instead.

Transfer expert Romano claims Kim has agreed terms on a five-year deal with the Bundesliga club and is set to move to Germany this summer.

"The agreement between Bayern and Kim Min-jae is at final stages, details to be sorted on 5 year deal. He's prepared to accept, not signed yet," tweeted Romano.

"The release clause will become valid on July 1 - unless other clubs send new bigger salary proposal next week, Kim will join Bayern."

Man Utd target Kim alternatives

In a later tweet, Romano claimed United have already moved on to other targets – Monaco defender Axel Disasi and Nice centre-back Jean Clair Todibo.

"Axel Disasi remains concrete name in the list at Manchester United in case Kim Min-jae will end up joining Bayern as expected [next week will be crucial for Kim deal]," tweeted Romano.

"Man Utd also sent their scouts to follow Jean Clair Todibo multiple times — no decision made yet."

United are in the market for a new centre-back with captain Harry Maguire potentially leaving the club this summer.

Disasi is a 25-year-old France international who has, to date, spent his entire professional club career in his home country.

The 6ft 3in defender signed for Monaco in 2020 from fellow Ligue 1 side Reims, and has gone on to make 129 appearances for the club.

He was included in France's World Cup squad and has made four appearances for his country.

Todibo is yet to make his senior debut for France but has represented his country at U20 level.

The 23-year-old started his career at Toulouse before moving to Catalan giants Barcelona in 2019 on a free transfer.

He was subsequently sent out on loan to Schalke, Benfica and Nice before joining the French club on a permanent deal in 2021.

Todibo has since gone on to make 103 appearances for the club, scoring twice.