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Newcastle United to rival Manchester United for Kim Min-jae?

Newcastle to rival Man United for Kim Min-jae?
© Reuters
Newcastle United reportedly join the race for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae, who is a summer target for Manchester United.

Newcastle United are reportedly set to enter the race for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae.

The Magpies rounded off a memorable 2022-23 campaign with a 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

Newcastle, who finished in fourth position, are now looking forward to participating in the Champions League group stage for the first time since 2002-03.

Eddie Howe's side ended the season with the joint-best defensive record alongside Manchester City after conceding just 33 goals in 38 matches.

Despite boasting a strong backline, Newcastle are expected to strengthen their defence this summer as they look to build a squad that can compete in the Champions League.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe reacts on May 13, 2023© Reuters

According to Fichajes, the Magpies are interested in signing Kim, who has been linked with a move away from Napoli.

Manchester United are also interested in the centre-back, but the report claims that Newcastle are leading the race to secure his signature.

Kim joined Napoli from Fenerbahce last summer as a replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly, and he has gone on to play a key role in a historic season for the Italian club.

The South Korea international has started 35 league games this season, helping Napoli end their 33-year wait for the Serie A title.

Napoli's Kim Min-jae pictured on November 12, 2022© Reuters

Despite arriving in Italy less than a year ago, Kim's impressive performances have seemingly caught the attention of clubs across Europe.

As well as attracting interest from the Premier League, a recent report claimed that the player's agent had met with French giants Paris Saint-Germain.

The defender has a contract until the summer of 2025 with an option to extend by a further two years, but he is understood to have a release clause which becomes active for a limited period in July.

Kim is expected to start in the Napoli defence on Sunday when the Italian champions face Sampdoria in their final game of the 2022-23 season.

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