Manchester United are reportedly keen on signing Napoli defender, Kim Min-jae, having snubbed the chance to sign the South Korea international in the past.
What’s the word?
According to the Mirror, the Red Devils have ‘renewed their interest’ in the 26-year-old ahead of the January transfer window, having reportedly passed up the opportunity to sign the centre-back for just £3m 18 months ago.
The 6 foot 3 rock could now command a fee in the region of £38m due to a release clause in his current deal in Naples, with the 47-cap brute having only joined the Serie A side for £16m over the summer.
The suggestion is that the player would be ‘interested’ in making the move to the Premier League, as per the report, with Erik ten Hag and co seemingly plotting a new addition at the heart of the backline amid suggestions that club captain Harry Maguire could be allowed to depart.
Vidic heir
The former Fenerbahce man has come to wider attention as a result of his rock-solid displays for Luciano Spalletti’s side so far this season, helping his new club to an eight-point lead at the top of the table after conceding just 12 times in 15 league games.
The imposing “monster” – as is his nickname – has also impressed on the international stage in recent weeks, having helped his country to the last 16 of the World Cup in Qatar, notably winning 91% of his aerial duels and 100% of his ground duels in the competition, while also averaging 2.7 clearances per game.
Such impressive showings have only further enhanced his already growing reputation, with Kim offering a real no-nonsense and old-fashioned approach to defending, having even been dubbed an “iron barrel” by teammate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who also labelled him “one of the best in the world”.
Bringing such an aggressive and full-blooded asset to Old Trafford could well see United finally secure an heir to Nemanja Vidic, with the five-time Premier League winner having previously been the monstrous presence in defence in the not-too-distant past.
The Serbian titan – who racked up 300 appearances during his time at the Theatre of Dreams – was notably lauded by former boss Sir Alex Ferguson for his love for a contest and a battle, with the legendary Scotsman previously stating:
“He loved the challenge of sticking his head in there. You could tell that the thrill of contesting those 50-50 balls animated him.”
Also praised by Ryan Giggs as “probably the best defender” that the Welshman played with, the now-retired colossus was a truly central figure in the side for over eight years, playing a vital role in a team that reached three Champions League finals in the space of just four seasons.
Like Kim – who ranks in the top 10% in Europe for non-penalty goals among those in his position – the 41-year-old was also a menacing threat at the other end of the pitch in his pomp, scoring 21 times during his time in Manchester.
A cult figure among United supporters, the brutal ace has no doubt proven a hard act to try and follow in recent years, although United could well have finally found his long-awaited successor in the form of the Korean sensation.