Napoli defender Kim Min-jae's agent makes fresh Manchester United transfer claim

The agent of Napoli star Kim Min-jae has claimed that Manchester United have previously been interested in signing the defender amid ongoing reports linking him with a move to Old Trafford.

The South Korea international, 26, has been linked with a move to United in recent weeks following a stellar debut campaign in Italy. Kim joined Napoli from Turkish side Fenerbahce last summer and has quickly established himself as one of the most sought-after defenders in Europe.

He has helped Napoli clinch their first Serie A title since 1990 and reach the Champions League quarter-finals this season, highlighting the impact he has had on their backline and team as a whole. It is understood that he has a specific release clause in his contract that, if triggered before a certain date, would see him leave the Italian champions for much less than he is current market value.

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Several big-name European clubs have been linked with his signature in recent months, including United, who could target a new centre-back if Harry Maguire or Victor Lindelof leave the club this summer. But despite claims in Italy suggesting that United are closing in on an agreement with Kim, his agent has rubbished such suggestions, despite admitting the Reds have chased his signature in the past.

"It is not true that a deal has been done with Manchester United," his agent told Star News Korea. "Kim is concentrated on seeing out the season, besides which we still don't know which English clubs will qualify for the Champions League next term.

"There is no rush for the future. United were interested in him when he was still in China, but we only ever chatted about that.

"I repeat, there has been no