Liverpool set to rival Manchester United in pursuit of Serie-A Defender

Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly set to go head-to-head in the race to sign Napoli defender Kim Min-jae. The South Korean international has been in fine form for the Serie A side this season, attracting interest from a host of top European clubs.

According to Italian publication Rai via FourFourTwo (h/t Metro), Liverpool are now keen to secure the services of the 26-year-old centre-back and are willing to pay around £60 million to do so. This will come as a blow to United, who were previously thought to be the favourites to sign him.

However, Liverpool and United are not the only Premier League sides interested in Min-jae. Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be keeping an eye on the defender, while Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain are among the European giants tracking his progress.

Min-jae only joined Napoli in the summer of 2022 from Turkish club Fenerbahce, but has already made a significant impact at the club. He has been a key part of the team’s push for their first Scudetto in over 30 years, impressing with his solid defensive performances.

Liverpool’s defensive struggles this season have been well-documented, with star centre-back Virgil van Dijk not yet back to his best following a long-term injury. The likes of Joel Matip, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez have also struggled to fill the void left by the Dutchman.

United, on the other hand, have found a solid partnership in Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez, meaning that the signing of Min-jae may not be a priority for the club.

With interest from several top clubs, it remains to be seen where Min-jae will end up, but it is clear that he is a highly sought-after talent in the world of football.