NEWCASTLE are weighing up a move for Manchester United target Kim Min-jae.
The Napoli centre-back is wanted by Red Devils boss Erik Ten Hag and has a £42million release clause that becomes active on July 1.
But while Man United remain favourites to land the South Korea ace, Newcastle are also keeping tabs.
SunSport understands that Kim’s representatives held talks with Toon chiefs at St James’ Park at one of their last home games of the season.
Magpies boss Eddie Howe is on the lookout for a new central defender to compete alongside Fabian Schar and Sven Botman in the Champions League next term.
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Jamaal Lascelles is not part of Howe’s long-term plans and could be sold this summer as he enters the final year of his deal.
And Kim, 26, will decide his future next month once back from completing military service back home.
Dubbed ‘The Monster’, he has just lifted the Serie A title and was named the league’s best defender.
But Kim is believed to want a Prem move following just one season in Italy after signing from Fenerbache last summer.
The South Korean is also seen by Ten Hag as someone that can provide competition for Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez.
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Kim enjoyed a stunning campaign with Napoli this season in Serie A and the Champions League.
The defender amassed a total of two goals and two assists in 45 appearances across all competitions this season.
The Newcastle target was among Luciano Spalletti's key figures that helped the Partenopei win their first Serie A title since 1990.