According to an Italian source, Tottenham Hotspur have joined the race to sign Fenerbahce defender Kim Min-Jae this summer.
The Lowdown: Registering an interest
Antonio Conte has already made a rapid start to the transfer window, having secured the signings of Ivan Perisic, Fraser Forster, Yves Bissouma, Richarlison, Clement Lenglet and soon-to-be Djed Spence, but the boss is showing no signs of stopping there.
The 25-year-old Kim was the bright spark in what was a disappointing season for the Turkish outfit last season, and the Lilywhites must have been impressed with what they saw, having been credited with an initial interest last month.
In a fresh update, it sounds as though the colossus would be keen on a move to the Premier League…
The Latest: Kim wants to join Spurs
In an article published by Italian outlet Corriere del Mezzogiorno (via Sport Witness), it’s claimed Napoli are ‘showing an interest’ in Kim after identifying him as their ‘main target’, but they are ‘joined’ in the race by Tottenham.
The source reports that the Serie A giants must ‘beat the competition’ from Spurs, Everton and Rennes if they want any chance at signing the man nicknamed the 'monster' for his imposing physical style.
It’s stated that the 40-cap international is ‘looking to leave’ Fenerbahce to seek a new challenge and ‘has been hoping’ for his chosen destination to be north London, though Antonio Conte has so far ‘made other choices’ in defence.
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The Verdict: Son influence?
Japhet Tanganga and Joe Rodon have both been linked with a move away from Tottenham, so it’s understandable that Conte will be wanting a further addition alongside Lenglet to provide himself with some squad depth at the back next season.
The 6 foot 2 Kim, once dubbed ‘the best’ player in Super Lig by former Turkey and Fenerbahce star Ridvan Dilmen, had an outstanding campaign last term, averaging 4.1 clearances, 2.3 interceptions and 1.5 tackles per league game, via WhoScored.
The fact that he is a compatriot of Son Heung-Min having played alongside each other in South Korea’s national team could well be the reason he wants to join, and this could be a huge contributing factor when it comes down to the ace deciding his next move.