Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae.
The 26-year-old has helped South Korea reach the last-16 stage of the 2022 World Cup, featuring on two occasions at the competition against Uruguay and Ghana.
Kim was only a substitute against Portugal last time out, though, as he is carrying a calf problem.
The defender is still not believed to be 100%, but he has insisted that he will be "ready to play" against Brazil in the last-16 stage of the competition on Monday.
"They all did well but now we need even more. I was sorry not to be on the pitch. It was difficult to watch from the bench, but the injury I suffered didn't allow me to be at 100%, so in such an important game we felt it was better not to risk it," he said after the win over Fernando Santos's side.
"I want to do everything to be there (against Brazil), I'm ready to play even at the cost of getting more seriously injured."
According to Calciomercato, Man United have been closely monitoring the centre-back's performances this season and are keen to bring him to Old Trafford next year.
Kim only made the move to Napoli in July following one season at Turkish club Fenerbahce, and he has featured on 20 appearances in all competitions for the Italian side this term, finding the back of the net on two occasions.
The defender's contract is due to run until June 2025, with the option of a two-year extension, but there is allegedly a release clause of €45m (£38m).
As well as Man United, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are said to be keeping a close eye on the centre-back's situation in Naples.
Napoli are said to be desperate to open talks with Kim over a new contract in a bid to remove the buy-out fee, which could see him leave during next summer's transfer window.
The defender has scored twice in 14 Serie A appearances for Napoli during the 2022-23 campaign, while he played all six of his side's matches in the group stage of the Champions League, with the Italian side progressing to the next round as section winners.
Kim started his professional career at Gyeongju KHNP before making the move to Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, and he then played for Beijing Guoan ahead of a move to Fenerbahce.
Man United are believed to be willing to let Harry Maguire leave the club next year, with the club captain falling down the pecking order at the club.
As a result, there could be space for a new centre-back to arrive during next summer's transfer window despite the club bringing in Lisandro Martinez in the recent market. body check tags ::
