FOURFOURTWO
Liverpool and Manchester United are competing for a centre-back making waves – and he could cost a pretty penny
Liverpool are looking like beating Manchester United to a centre-back dubbed ‘the new Kalidou Koulibaly’.
Both northwest rivals are looking at improving their backlines following defensive frailties this season. Liverpool have been leaning heavily on Virgil van Dijk, while Manchester United have relied almost entirely on Raphael Varane and Lisandro Martinez in defence, with very little cover beyond that.
One target has emerged for both, however, with the Reds in pole position over the Red Devils in the race for a signature.
According to Italian journalist Ciro Venerato of Rai, Napoli centre-back Kim Min-jae is on the radar for Premier League clubs – and Liverpool are ready to pay over £60 million for his services.
Kim was signed from Fenerbahce for a modest sum last summer as the replacement for Chelsea-bound Kalidou Koulibaly. The South Korean international has shone in Serie A, however, leading Napoli to an unlikely title charge and winning plaudits for his style.
