Manchester United forced to move on as big-money target chooses Bayern

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Manchester United look set to miss out on Napoli defender Kim Min-jae with Bayern Munich closing in on a deal.

It looks like the rumours linking Kim with a move to Old Trafford are mercifully coming to an end.

We have heard it all in recent months with the Italian press going wild over the idea of Kim leaving Napoli for United.

Newspaper Il Mattino even reported earlier this month that Kim would be joining United on July 1st in a €60million (£51million) deal.

If that is going to happen now, then there will need to be a stunning turn of events.

That’s because Foot Mercato now report that Kim has chosen to join Bayern Munich this summer.

It’s stated that United as well as Premier League rivals Newcastle United are now moving on to other targets.

The report adds that Kim will now earn a salary of around €10million – around £165,000-a-week – at Bayern with a long-term deal imminent.

There is some confusion though as this report claims Kim will be moving for just €47million (£40million), much cheaper than the Italian press thought.

Bayern have been ramping up their pursuit of Kim and it looks like they will land their man – and leave United to look elsewhere.

Who can Manchester United go for if Kim Min-jae joins Bayern?

Missing out on Kim would hurt United, but most fans would accept that a new striker is a priority over another centre back for now.

Much will ultimately depend on the future of Harry Maguire, whose playing time is limited and has been linked away from the club.

If United do go for another defender then we would expect Jurrien Timber to be in the conversation.

The Ajax star worked under Ten Hag and would offer some versatility as a centre back who can also play at right back if needed.

Timber watched United in the FA Cup final against Manchester City earlier this month and is surely on Ten Hag’s radar.

Then there is Axel Disasi.

Sky Sports reported less than a week ago that United are interested in signing Monaco star Disasi and he is keen on the move himself.

Reports in France have highlighted that United like both Disasi and Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo, two tall and talented defenders with plenty of untapped potential.

We would expect Disasi and Timber to be the favourites for United if Kim is unattainable, with Todibo an outside shout.