Fabrizio Romano's big Man Utd REVEAL as race for top target HOTS UP
Graham Shaw
- Updated: 16 Jun 2023 07:12 BST
- 4 min read
Man Utd are no longer favourites to sign highly-rated Napoli defender Kim Min-jae this summer, according to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano.
Erik ten Hag had made acquiring the South Korean defender known as 'The Monster' a top priority during this window after he helped Napoli claim their first Serie A title in 33 years last month.
MORE: The best available free transfers in the summer of 2023
It is one of football's worst-kept secrets that the player has a release clause in his contract which allows clubs to swoop for a 60m fee on July 1. And it had been expected Man Utd would be right at the front of the queue.
Bayern overtake Man Utd in Kim Min-jae race
Now though it appears there is a new favourite in the shape of German giants Bayern Munich. Their interest has become apparent in the last 48 hours, and according to Romano it could be decisive.
The transfer expert reports that Kim and Bayern are close to agreeing personal terms, which would then clear the way for the Bundesliga champions to activate that release clause on July 1.
As for Erik ten Hag and co, Romano simply added: "Man United remain interested but it was never done".
🚨 Understand Bayern have presented their project to Kim Min-jae this week and the agreement on personal terms is now close. #FCBayern
Kim, tempted by Bayern as talks are now advancing fast.
Man United remain interested but it was never done.
Release clause available in July. pic.twitter.com/VTnoxIvlos— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 15, 2023
If United do miss out on Kim Min-jae, it will be another devastating blow for ten Hag and the long-suffering Old Trafford faithful.
The underlying concern as we get deeper into the summer window is that the ongoing takeover saga at the club is impacting the ability to do transfer business.
The battle for ownership between Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh Jassim rumbles on with the Glazers apparently still to decide which bid they prefer.
Reports now suggest that even once a bid is accepted, the whole sale process may not be completed for 8 to 12 weeks. Which would be disastrous for ten Hag as he looks to improve a squad which took a big step forward in 2022-23.
MORE: The seven Man Utd players set to leave on a free transfer
