According to Area Napoli, Kim Min-jae has been identified as a replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly, but he wants to join Tottenham.
What’s the story?
Well, the Serie A side are set to lose their Senegal international to Chelsea, after a £34m deal was agreed with the Blues.
Now, Napoli are targeting a move for Kim, but they face several problems in their pursuit.
Above all, the South Korea international is actually hoping to join Tottenham, where his international colleague Heung-min Son has become one of the best players on the planet.
Therefore, Napoli have a task on their hands to convince him.
Furthermore, Fenerbahce are demanding that Kim’s €18m (£15m) release clause is met, although Napoli are trying to get the Turkish giants to lower their asking price.
Area Napoli add that the centre-back is also unlikely to push for a move, as he and his representatives have a great relationship with Fenerbahce President Ali Koç, and do not want to spoil it.
Interest in Kim comes after he made 39 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring one goal.
Kim Min-jae may not get Tottenham wish
In our view, Kim will have to hope that Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici fail to land their primary targets, or we doubt he’ll get his wish of a move to N17.
Spurs have already signed Clement Lenglet on loan from Barcelona, and are also interested in reuniting Conte with Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni.
Tottenham also already have Eric Dier, Cristian Romero, Davinson Sanchez and Ben Davies.
Of course, more centre-backs could be targeted if Joe Rodon and Japhet Tanganga leave Tottenham.
Newcastle are supposedly interested in the latter, whereas Fulham have opened talks to sign Rodon.
There is some good news for Kim – he is said to be on Tottenham’s shortlist, so if both Rodon and Tanganga leave north London, he could actually get his wish after all.
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