Football News: Liverpool and Manchester United to battle it out for Napoli’s star defender

Liverpool are said to be in a bidding war with Manchester United for Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae. This summer, the 25-year-old joined Napoli from Fenerbahce as a replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly, who moved to Chelsea.

Kim soon established himself as an important member of Napoli's squad. So far, he has appeared in 35 competitive games and producing two goals and one assist.

Kim has started 26 of Napoli's 27 league games this season, assisting his team to a 19-point lead at the top of Serie A. Kim is garnering interest from a number of clubs, and he is said to have a £42 million release clause in his Napoli contract.

The release clause will become activated for a limited time this summer as both the Reds & the Red Devils battle for his signatures.

Manchester United is among those exploring a move, but they may now have competition from their fiercest rivals.

Liverpool are likely to enter the competition for the South Korean international, according to Italian media Rai.

In the summer, Liverpool will allegedly consider bids for out-of-favour defender Joel Matip,

While Joe Gomez has been linked with a move to Newcastle United. If defensive losses occur this summer, Jurgen Klopp will need to improve his backline, and Kim might be a viable alternative.

According to a recent report, Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis may be tempted to sell one of the club's treasured assets.

Kim has been on international duty, and after South Korea's 2-2 draw with Colombia last week, he dismissed speculation about a summer exit.

"As you know, those rumours are not true at all,"

Kim told reporters.

"I want to focus on my team. I have many tournaments to play.

"It's been four or years I have had these rumours. It's uncomfortable. I wish you don't spread those stories. I cannot be bothered by transfer rumours because they aren't true."

"Now I'm focusing on the team, rather than that kind of nonsense. There are so many important matches to go and right now I only want to focus on Napoli."

Kim is anticipated to start in the centre of defence when Napoli hosts AC Milan in a Serie A match on Saturday at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.

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