Manchester United are expected to complete the signing of Napoli’s central defender Kim Min-Jae on 1 July according to reports in Italy.

The South Korean’s first season in Italy could hardly have gone better as the 26-year-old became an integral member of a Napoli side that won their first Serie A since 1990. But according to Naples’ best-selling newspaper Il Mattino, the defender has verbally accepted an $11m-a-year contract to join the Red Devils to form a formidable partnership with Lisandro Martinez next season.

Kim Min-Jae set to move to Old Trafford this summer

Speculation had arisen over the destination of the South Korean this summer, with Newcastle and Paris Saint-Germain all reportedly interested. However, it appears Man United remain in pole position for the rapidly-improving defender, who first made his name in Europe playing for Turkish giants Fenerbahce.

From 1 July, Kim’s release clause worth a reported $65m comes into effect, a relative bargain in today’s market. And according to 90min writer Graeme Bailey, Napoli’s defensive stalwart has turned down the offer of a new contract at the Serie A champions that would have removed the release clause from his current deal.