Italian outlet Il Mattino reports that Liverpool now want to sign Napoli defender Kim Min-Jae – a player who Tottenham Hotspur are gutted they didn’t sign.
Antonio Conte and Jurgen Klopp look set to battle it out for a place in the top-four this season, with both sides struggling to find consistency so far.
Just three points separate Spurs and Liverpool at this moment in time and both clubs will be looking to strengthen their squads this month.
Tottenham were heavily linked with a move for Min-Jae before he made the switch to Naples from Fenerbahce over the summer, with 90 Min even reporting that they now believe they were wrong not to sign him.
The South Korean defender has been exceptional for Luciano Spalletti’s side this season and has been a standout performer in defence. Napoli currently sit top of Serie A and also topped their Champions League group over last-year’s finalists, Liverpool.
And now it seems that Klopp is eyeing a move for the defender after watching him play against his side twice this season.
Liverpool want to sign Min-Jae
Ill Mattino reports that Liverpool are eyeing a possible move for Min-Jae this month after Virgil van Dijk picked up an injury recently.
The 26-year-old is on Liverpool’s radar in the event that they move for a Van Dijk replacement, but Manchester United are also said to be keen.
Min-Jae only made the switch to Italy over the summer for £16 million but former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy recently claimed he will now cost around £100 million.
“His performances have been so good,” Murphy told BBC Sport during South Korea’s clash against Uruguay back in November.
“I was talking to someone, he said that Manchester United are in for him and they’re talking £100m – that’s how quick you can grow. [Napoli] have been sensational this season, him included.” as quoted by HITC.
Spurs will undoubtedly regret not taking a chance on Min-Jae after watching his displays for club and country this season. Conte’s side look fragile at the back and the South Korean certainly looks like he would have been an upgrade on Eric Dier.
Yet, no one could foresee just how easily Min-Jae has adjusted to playing in one of Europe’s best leagues.
For Spurs, the ship has probably sailed in terms of their chances of landing the centre-back as Napoli can demand a huge fee.
Liverpool are well-stocked at centre-back but Van Dijk’s injury has certainly thrown a spanner in the works. Min-Jae would undoubtedly improve Klopp’s options in the position but he won’t come cheap after only signing for the club a few months ago.
