Manchester United target Kim Min-jae could have his release clause increased or ‘removed’ by Napoli, according to journalist Carlo Garganese.

The Red Devils have been credited with an interest in the defender despite him only arriving at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona in the summer after completing a €19.5 million (£16.7m) move from Fenerbahce.

Manchester United transfer news – Kim Min-jae

Fabrizio Romano revealed that Napoli included a €45m (£38.6m) release clause into Kim Min-jae’s contract when he signed for the club.

However, Gli Azzurri’s sporting director Cristiano Giuntoli has recently stated that they are already trying to amend the South Korea international’s deal following his outstanding start to the season.

“It is only valid for foreign clubs and it’s accessible in a window in July, for just 15 days,” he said. “It’s variable, it depends on the revenues of the potential buyer. It’s all theoretical given that we are already thinking about changing these terms.”

Italian outlet Calciomercato have claimed that United, alongside Tottenham Hotspur and Juventus, are monitoring Kim Min-jae’s development at Napoli, though.

Yet Romano has claimed that there is ‘no chance’ the 6 foot 3 centre-back departs in January and that a new contract is being prepared for him.

What has Garganese said about Kim Min-jae?

Garganese recently disclosed to GiveMeSport that Giuntoli has announced him plans to try and retain Kim Min-jae’s services.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

He said: “I also know, and Napoli's sporting director actually come out and said this a few weeks ago, Giuntoli, that Napoli want to try and remove, or increase, this release clause.

“So, it's possible that release clause could be removed.”

Do Man Utd need Kim Min-jae?

United manager Erik ten Hag signed Lisandro Martinez from his former club Ajax over the summer, and the Argentina international has become an instant fans’ favourite.

Nevertheless, the Old Trafford outfit has still leaked 20 goals in their 14 Premier League games so far this season, the second-highest tally among the top eight clubs in the division.

Raphael Varane has often struggled with injuries throughout his time with United while captain Harry Maguire has struggled with his form at club level.

Therefore, the addition of Kim Min-jae is one that may be welcomed by Ten Hag and the United supporters as the club looks to get back to winning silverware and competing for the sport's biggest prizes.