Chelsea could now make a move to sign Liverpool target Kim Min-jae from Napoli despite strong interest from Manchester United.
That is according to 90min.
If Chelsea are to win the race to sign Kim Min-jae this summer, the Blues will have to fend off more than just Liverpool and Manchester United.
What’s the story?
Well, 90min add that Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Newcastle are also keen to sign the South Korea international at the end of the season.
Min-jae has a fixed release clause written into his contract at Napoli which is said to be in the region of €40m – €60m (£35m – £52m).
The Italian champions have desperately tried to remove it by offering their No.3 a new deal, although his representatives have refused to engage in discussions.
90min believe Manchester United have already held talks over a move for the 26-year-old and are well positioned to make a concrete approach this summer.
It comes after Il Mattino in Italy claimed that the Red Devils have already offered £56.5m to sign Min-jae.
The centre-back, who has been nicknamed The Monster, played a crucial role in Napoli’s first Serie A title win for 33 years this season, making 34 league appearances in his debut campaign with the Italian giants.
Chelsea must not get involved in race to sign Kim Min-jae
In our view, Chelsea do not need to waste their energy trying to sign Min-jae this summer.
The Blues already have a top young centre-back coming to Stamford Bridge in Levi Colwill, who will soon return from his hugely impressive loan spell at Brighton.
Mauricio Pochettino will also have Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile at his disposal when he takes over from Frank Lampard, both of whom are among the best defensive talents in Europe.
That goes without mentioning the more experienced heads such as Kalidou Koulibaly and Thiago Silva.
There is no denying that Min-jae is a superb footballer, but Chelsea have other areas more in need of strengthening than the centre-back department.