Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils closing in on Kim Min-jae; club sent Harry Kane warning, and more - May 21, 2023
Manchester United went a step closer to securing a top-four finish following a 1-0 Premier League win over Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday (May 21). Erik ten Hag’s team now need a point from their two remaining games to return to the UEFA Champions League.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are closing in on Napoli defender Kim Min-jae. Elsewhere, a former player has advised the Premier League giants against signing Tottenham Hotspur striker Harry Kane.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on May 21, 2023:
Manchester United closing in on Kim Min-jae
Manchester United are close to securing the services of Kim Min-jae, according to Il Mattino via Caught Offside.
The South Korean defender has been a revelation for Napoli this season, playing a starring role in their Serie A triumph. The 26-year-old has helped his team register 20 clean sheets in 43 games across competitions, earning him admirers at Old Trafford.
Ten Hag wants to add more steel to his backline this summer, with both Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof expected to depart. Kim has been identified as the perfect candidate to marshall the defence, and the Red Devils are willing to move mountains to secure his services.
Manchester United are ready to activate the player’s €65 million release clause and are planning to hand him a deal worth €9 million per year.
Red Devils sent Harry Kane warning
Manchester United legend Andy Cole has advised the club against signing Harry Kane.
Ten Hag wants a new world-class No. 9 this summer and has the Tottenham Hotspur striker on his wishlist. The Englishman has consistently been among the most lethal striker in Europe and could hit the ground running at Old Trafford.
However, speaking to William Hill, Cole said that his former club need to target a younger player.
“Manchester United can’t go with a short-term solution again. They can’t go and spend £80 million or £100 million on Harry Kane. In two years’ time, they’ll turn round and say to themselves, ‘he’s 32, we need to get ourselves another striker’. They can’t afford to find themselves in that position again,” said Cole.
He added:
“When you look at the recognised strikers that Manchester United have had, you look at the likes of Robin van Persie, but the crazy thing is that he only stayed for two years, and ever since then, it has just been one after another for two years.
"A football club like Manchester United cannot just keep having different strikers for two years at a time. It's ridiculous. They know now that they have to sign someone who is going to give them five years.”
The Red Devils also have Napoli striker Victor Osimhen and Eintracht Frankfurt hitman Randal Kolo Muani on their wishlist.
Manchester United keen to sign Jeremie Frimpong
United are eager to secure the services of Jeremie Frimpong, according to acclaimed transfer expert Fabrizio Romano.
The Red Devils are in the market for a new right-back this summer, with Ten Hag desiring an upgrade on Diogo Dalot and Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Frimpong has been identified as the ideal candidate for the role.
Speaking to Give Me Sport, Romano said that the Premier League giants have had held talks with the player’s entourage regarding a move.
“They had a meeting with the agent of the player. It was one month ago. It was a positive meeting. Frimpong is giving priority to Premier League football, in general. He would love to return to Manchester. He was in the Manchester City academy. He appreciates the city and the lifestyle there,” said Romano.
Frimpong has been outstanding for Bayer Leverkusen this season, amassing nine goals and ten assists in 46 games across competitions.