Manchester United Target Hits Out at Napoli Exit Rumours

• Manchester United identify Napoli defender as a target in quest to strengthen backline
• Kim Min-Jae who only arrived in Napoli in the summer has been linked with a January exit
• The South Korean has now hit out at the rumour saying it irritates him

South Korean centre back Kim Min-Jae was signed by Napoli in the last summer to replace Kalidou Koulibaly who left Naples to join English side Chelsea.

The defender has slotted into Napoli's defence effortlessly and has helped the team stay top of the Italian Serie A table as the team hopes to win the title for the first time since 1990.

Min-Jae's performance is now attracting interest from top European clubs with Manchester United top of the list a year and half after snubbing the defender for £3m as revealed by Mirror.

The South Korean international who recently returned from the World Cup has a release clause of £38m as revealed by Eurosport, which Manchester United are willing to pay.

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Min-Jae happy at Napoli

The 26-year-old had dealt Manchester United a huge blow after admitting to being annoyed by transfer rumours just six months after he joined.

He made it known that he is happy in Naples in an interview with South Korean TV quoted by Football Italia:

“I am really irritated by the transfer rumours around me. I just arrived and have only been at Napoli for six months, I am very happy there. I avoided interviews because of things like this.” he said.

The player's statement and Aurelio de Laurentiis toughness when it comes to transfer negotiations has certainly dealt a blow to Manchester United in their pursuit of the defender.

Maguire outlines title ambitions

United captain Harry Maguire is one of the players whose position in the team becomes more threatened if the club succeeds in signing Kim Min-Jae.

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As recently reported by Sports Brief, Maguire reveals the next step in his career is to win trophies after admitting he is living his dream with his current level.

With the Premier giants dealt a blow by the Napoli defender, Maguire has time on his hands to turn his career around with the Red Devils.