Manchester United are assessing centre-back options in France as the club consider plan B options to top target Kim Min-jae.
Min-jae is the club’s leading transfer target defensively as Erik ten Hag looks to sign a centre-back this summer, with the Red Devils having tracked the South Korean’s progress at Napoli since October.
Min-jae was named as Serie A’s Best Defender after an outstanding debut season at Napoli, one which saw the 26-year-old impress as Luciano Spalletti’s side won a first league title since 1990.
The centre-back is understood to have a release clause in his contract that will become active in July and United have held talks with the player’s representatives, while Newcastle are also informed on the defender’s situation.
Fabrizio Romano is reporting that United are preparing contingency plans if a deal does not materialise however, with the club monitoring options in the ‘French market’.
United were linked with a move to sign Monaco defender Axel Disasi during the January transfer window, with the 25-year-old having scored four goals in 49 appearances this season.
Disasi became the first Frenchman since 1966 to make his debut for the national side at a World Cup in Qatar.
Nice defender Jean-Clair Todibo has also been linked with a Premier League move with scouts from Manchester United, Liverpool and Newcastle reported to have monitored the centre-back this season.
