Bayern Munich ‘join the race for £56m Man United target Kim Min-jae’ – with the in-demand Napoli defender seen as a potential replacement for Lucas Hernandez

Bayern Munich have ‘joined the race for Napoli defender Kim Min-jae’ as a potential replacement for Lucas Hernandez, who has been ‘courted by Paris-Saint Germain’

Kim was a revelation during his first season in Italy, missing just three league games as Napoli won their first Scudetto in over 30 years.

The 26-year-old’s performances have attracted attention from the likes of Manchester United, who were close to bringing him in for £56 million, and Newcastle.

Another European giant is now in the hunt, with Foot Mercato reporting that Bayern are willing to offer the defender ‘£8.5m’ per year to see off their Premier League competition.

The interest is believed to stem from uncertainty around Lucas Hernandez, who is reportedly being chased by PSG.

Hernandez, who won the World Cup with France in 2018, has endured a tough season after rupturing his ACL in Qatar, but remains a respected defender and could be fit again by the end of June.

For United, seeing another big club rival them for one of their main targets till be a big blow.

They recently had a £40m bid for Mason Mount rejected by Chelsea, and are now considered unlikely to bring in Harry Kane to solve their striker problems.

The Red Devils pursuit of another Napoli star, Victor Osimhen, has also taken a hit after PSG expressed an interest in the £120m-rated striker.

After a promising season hampered by a lack of depth at United, Erik ten Hag will be hoping his luck in the transfer market can turn around fast.

One option viewed as more realistic is Atalanta striker Rasmus Hojlund, who scored 10 goals for the club last season and a stunning five in his first two international appearances for Denmark.

The 20-year-old is one of Europe’s most exciting prospects and would cost roughly half the price of Kane and Osimhen.