MANCHESTER UNITED have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Kim Min-jae with Liverpool reportedly keen on the Napoli star.
The centre-back has impressed since signing for the Serie A giants from Fenerbahce last summer.
He has attracted interest from a host of European clubs including Paris Saint-Germain.
Napoli are believed to be keen to tie him down to a new contract as a result, which could include increasing his buyout clause to £79million.
United have been linked to the South Korea international throughout the season.
But it seems rivals Liverpool have overtaken them in the race to sign the 26-year-old, according to Foot Mercato.
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However Kim is in no hurry to leave Napoli, who are on course to win the league for the first time in 33 years.
When asked about this future during the international break, he said: "As you know, those rumours are not true at all. I want to focus on my team. I have many tournaments to play.
"It’s been four or years I have had these rumours. It’s uncomfortable. I wish you don’t spread those stories.
"I cannot be bothered by transfer rumours because they aren’t true. Now I’m focusing on the team, rather than that kind of nonsense.
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"There are so many important matches to go and right now I only want to focus on Napoli."
Tottenham have also been linked to the defender but it could take a huge sum for Napoli to let him leave.
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