‘Newcastle turn attention to signing Kim Min-jae – I’ve heard whispers’
Newcastle United are plotting a move to sign Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae ahead of the summer transfer window.
That is according to former Man United and Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that the 28-year-old could be a “huge” signing at St James’ Park.
Eddie Howe is keen to reinforce his defensive unit during the summer and is likely to be backed heavily if his team can secure a return to the Champions League.
After failing with a £70million bid for Crystal Palace star Marc Guehi last summer, the signing of a new centre-back remains the top priority for Newcastle.
Min-jae is viewed as an option to bring more elite-level experience into the team while improving on the likes of Ban Burn and Fabian Schar despite their impressive seasons.
He has made 42 appearances for the Bundesliga outfit this season, but whispers are intensifying that he could be allowed to move on this summer, piquing Newcastle’s interest.
Newcastle plot move to sign Kim Min-jae
Min-jae was close to joining the Premier League in 2023 after Football Insider revealed Bayern Munich hijacked Man United’s transfer, and he made the move to Germany.
Now, Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has claimed the centre-back is interested in the possibility of a move to England.
“Newcastle want to push on from the position they’re in,” he told Football Insider.
“They’ve done very well recently, finally won a trophy and look like they’ll get into the Champions League.
“But Eddie Howe still feels they need to strengthen their options at the back.
“Sven Botman has been unlucky with injuries, Dan Burn has been fantastic but he’s not a European-level defender, and Fabian Schar isn’t getting any younger.
“So it’s an area Newcastle feel they could improve in and they want to do that this summer.
“Kim Min-jae is a name I’ve heard recently in connection with Newcastle, and he’d be a good option.
“Man United wanted him before he moved to Bayern, and he’s done well there but I’ve heard whispers he could now be available.
“He would bring a lot of know-how and elite-level experience to this Newcastle side which is always a huge asset for any team.
“Plus, he’s a solid defender and I think he’d be interested in a move to the Premier League, so I think he’s going to be one they look to get over the line.”
Jarell Quansah update emerges after Liverpool stance revealed
Alongside an ambitious move to sign Min-jae, Newcastle are also eyeing a number of alternatives to strengthen their centre-back position.
Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool defender Jarell Quansah is interested in joining Newcastle as he aims to play more regular first-team football next season.
The 22-year-old could be pushed further down the pecking order at Anfield as they eye the addition of a new centre-back after Virgil van Dijk put pen to paper over a new contract.
However, Football Insider revealed Liverpool are not keen to lose Quansah in the near future and he remains under contract at Anfield until 2029.
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