Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae will reportedly join Manchester United at the start of July.

There has been constant speculation surrounding the South Korea international's future in recent months, with his form during the 2022-23 campaign believed to have attracted the attention of a host of major clubs.

Kim starred during Napoli's title-winning Serie A campaign, making 35 appearances, scoring twice and providing two assists, while he featured on nine occasions in the Champions League as the Italian giants reached the quarter-finals of the competition.

Paris Saint-Germain have recently been heavily linked with the 26-year-old, while it has been claimed that Newcastle United held talks with the defender's representatives towards the end of last season.

However, Man United are regarded as the favourites for the South Korean, and according to Il Mattino, a move to Old Trafford will be made official on July 1.

The report claims that Kim will earn in the region of £9m a year with the 20-time English champions, who are expected to activate a release clause in his contract.

The buy-out fee is allegedly £42m, which becomes live at the start of July, meaning that a deal will not go through until next month despite the transfer window now being officially open.

The defender joined Napoli from Turkish giants Fenerbahce last summer, while he has also played for Gyeongju KHNP, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors and Beijing Guoan during his career.

Man United are currently well-stocked in the middle of their defence, with Lisandro Martinez and Raphael Varane forming an impressive partnership for much of the 2022-23 campaign.

Victor Lindelof also impressed towards the end of last season, with Martinez's foot injury opening the door for the Sweden international to enjoy a run of matches.

Luke Shaw was also used as a central defender, while recent reports have claimed that Harry Maguire is keen to stay and fight for his position at Old Trafford next term.

However, Maguire is ultimately expected to move on this summer, with the club captain not in head coach Erik ten Hag's plans, while Phil Jones's departure has already been confirmed.

Axel Tuanzebe is also set to leave, in addition to Eric Bailly, who spent last season on loan with Marseille, so there will be room in the squad for Kim to arrive next month.

Man United are also bidding to sign a centre-forward and a central midfielder this summer, while at least one goalkeeper is expected to arrive, as David de Gea has still not signed a new contract, with his current terms expiring on June 30. body check tags ::