Magpies alerted to Bayern star in defender search

KIM COULD FIT THE BILL FOR HOWE

- By LEE RYDER Chief Newcastle writer

NEWCASTLE United have been alerted to Bayern Munich star Kim Min-jae ahead of what is set to be a hectic summer market.

With the Magpies eager to add another centre-back to their ranks the right-sided South Korea international would bring a wealth of Champions League experience to the table for Eddie Howe's side and a winner's mentality given he won Serie A with Napoli in 2023.

The 2022 AFC Asian International Player of the Year is understood to be surplus to requirements with Bayern.

The 28-year-old is under contract until 2028 and a £40million price tag has been mentioned in the German media. The former Napoli star has made 39 appearances for the Bundesliga table-toppers this term and weighed in with three goals.

Speaking on his future, he told Bild this week: "For me, there's no reason to leave. I hope I can stay. But we'll see."

And that hasn't stopped leaks from Bayern linking him with Newcastle, Chelsea, a return to Italy and clubs in the Saudi Pro League.