World Cup star ‘disturbed’ by Man Utd transfer link

Suraj Radia

• 15 Dec 2022 17:37 GMT
• 2 min read

Manchester United and Tottenham have been linked with a move for one of the World Cup’s breakout stars but the player has admitted the transfer rumours ‘disturb’ him.

Kim Min-Jae played a major part in South Korea’s last-16 finish at the 2022 World Cup and the Napoli defender has been linked with a move to the Premier League.

The 26-year-old only joined Napoli from Fenerbahce in the summer but he has impressed during his short time in Italy, with his side sitting top of Serie A at the break.

OLD TRAFFORD BOUND?: Kim keen to join Man Utd

United are believed to have met with Kim’s entourage prior to the World Cup to explore the possibility of a transfer and the Korean is believed to have a release clause of €50m in his contract – something which Napoli are hoping to remove by offering him a new contract.

However, Kim admitted he was uncomfortable with the speculation, telling Korean show You Quiz on the Block: “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.”

Kim in, Maguire out at Old Trafford?

United boss Erik ten Hag is thought to be keen to bring in a new central defender, having been unconvinced by captain Harry Maguire despite his impressive form for England.

Maguire was an integral part of England’s squad as they reached the quarter finals of the 2022 World Cup, keeping three clean sheets in five games in the process.

COMPETITION: Real Madrid join United in the race for Kim

However, the former Leicester defender has lost his place in the United team this season, with Ten Hag preferring the partnership of Raphael Varane and summer signing Lisandro Martinez, prompting speculation that Maguire could soon be moved on.

Ten Hag is believed to have reservations over Maguire’s speed, leading to the club’s interest in Kim, with the Napoli man believed to be a top target for United.

However, despite the concerns over Maguire, he will likely be given an opportunity to prove himself following his World Cup exploits, particularly with Kim seemingly unwilling to leave Napoli mid-season and so soon after joining the club.