Exclusive: Newcastle work on signing superstar for ‘£40m’ as fans sent into frenzy
Newcastle United are working on a deal to sign Kim-Min Jae from Bayern Munich this summer, sources have told Football Insider.
Eddie Howe is keen to strengthen his squad at St. James’ Park this summer ahead of a potential Champions League campaign, as Newcastle sit third in the Premier League table with four games to play.
Premier League PSR regulations may hinder Newcastle’s attempts to make multiple mega-money signings, and Paul Robinson told Football Insider that Howe could sell “low-hanging fruit” to balance the books.
Now, sources have told Football Insider that Newcastle’s interest in Kim Min-Jae could become concrete with Bayern Munich likely to sell out-of-favour players this summer,
Kim is proven at the top level across spells with both Bayern and Napoli, and sources added the South Korean will provide the big-game presence and mentality that Newcastle fans crave.
Newcastle learn Kim Min-Jae transfer price
Former Manchester United and Blackburn scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Kim would be an ideal fit in Howe’s rearguard at St. James’, with Dan Burn and Fabian Schar “not getting any younger”.
While any deal for Kim is dependent on whether Bayern will let one of Europe’s best centre-backs leave, Football Insider sources have been told that the 28-year-old would be available for roughly £40million.
Newcastle may look to pursue younger options in central defence, but sources have told Football Insider that the experience Kim would bring to their backline would be an instant hit with Magpies supporters.
‘Newcastle to avoid bidding war’ with Kim Min-Jae transfer
Sven Botman has been to hell and back with injuries in the last two seasons with just three appearances this term, but the prospect of him and Kim in central defence will certainly excite Newcastle fans.
The Magpies are one of several sides keen on Bournemouth’s Dean Huijsen this summer, but Football Insider revealed last month that only Champions League qualification will keep Newcastle in the race.
A multi-club battle for Huijsen is expected to play out and potentially go beyond his £50m release clause at Bournemouth, but in their pursuit of Kim, Newcastle could go under the radar to sign a player who was inarguably one of the best in Europe last season.