Napoli defender Kim Min-jae remains the top centre-back target for Manchester United, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils are planning to pursue a new central defender this summer, and Min-jae has been widely fancied to join the club next month.
A recent report claimed that Monaco’s Axel Disasi is one step away from joining United, but Romano insists that he is only a back-up plan.
The reputed journalist added that Min-jae continues to remain the priority target for United to bolster the heart of the defence ahead of next season.
Meanwhile, Foot Mercato journalist Santi Aouna has reported that a verbal offer has already been made to Min-jae ahead of a possible transfer.
Man Utd should be optimistic over Min-jae deal
Min-jae had a superb debut season with Napoli after his move from Fenerbahce last summer.
He registered 73 passes per Serie A game with an accuracy of 91 per cent. He won 1.6 tackles and 4.6 duels per appearance while making 3.5 clearances.
Aside from his defensive contributions, Min-jae also excelled with his positioning and strong physical presence in the box which unsettled many strikers.
In our view, he would be a far better acquisition than Disasi. Both players have a similar physical build, but Min-jae is more superior with his ball-playing ability.
Disasi averaged only 42 passes per league game last term with an accuracy of 84 per cent.
With an affordable €60m release clause, Min-jae should be signed at all costs. Several Italian outlets believe he will join United at the beginning of next month.
Min-jae recently returned to South Korea for three weeks of mandatory military training. United can only trigger his buy-out clause during the first 15 days of July.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
