Report: Spurs face missing out on ‘extraordinary’ target yet again as Manchester United now keen

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Tottenham Hotspur want Kim Min-jae but now face a battle for the Napoli defender with both Manchester United and Real Madrid keen.

The Mirror report that interest in Napoli star Kim is now building after the World Cup with Tottenham facing major competition.

Manchester United are thought to be keeping tabs on Kim having allegedly been offered the chance to sign him for just £3million 18 months ago.

Real Madrid have even joined the chase with Kim shining for Napoli ever since his summer move from Fenerbahce.

Kim does have a £38million release clause in his Napoli deal but the Serie A leaders are attempting to sort out a new deal which removes that clause.

Napoli are no doubt sensing a huge pay day if they can get rid of that release clause with United and Real two of the biggest spenders going.

Tottenham’s window for Kim deal may have closed

This is hardly ideal news for Tottenham, who won’t love the idea of getting into a battle with Real and United.

It feels like Kim has been linked with Tottenham again and again and again in recent years.

Tottenham were chasing Kim during his time with Beijing Guoan in China and 90Min even claimed that Son Heung-min recommended Kim to Spurs in 2021 having played with Kim for South Korea.

Fanatik claimed in April of this year that Tottenham were scouting Kim with Fenerbahce, before  Fenerbahce chief Ali Koc even suggested that Jose Mourinho wanted Kim but Spurs wouldn’t pay up.

Napoli-based website Gonfia La Rete claimed in November that Tottenham are willing to pay Kim’s release clause to finally bring him to North London after all.

Hailed as ‘extraordinary’ by former Napoli striker Emanuele Calaio, Kim would be an enormous addition to Tottenham’s back line.

Yet it’s starting to feel like Tottenham had their chance – actually, multiple chances – to sign Kim before this point, and for a fraction of the price.

Tottenham will struggle to compete with Real Madrid and if the defender ends up in the Spanish capital, Spurs will only really have themselves to blame.