Man Utd want to trigger player's €48m clause despite his admission that Old Trafford links "disturb" him

Manchester United reportedly want to trigger the €48 million release clause of Napoli's Kim Min-jae - despite the defender's public reluctance to engage with any transfer links.

Kim joined Napoli last summer from Fenerbahce, and has become a key part of the defence in Luciano Spaletti's side.

The Italian side are currently top of Serie A by 15 points after 23 games, and are on course to lift the Scudetto for the first time since Diego Maradona guided them to glory in 1990.

Kim, who also helped South Korea reach the last 16 stage of the World Cup in Qatar, has appeared in 22 league games.

He also started all six Champions League group stage matches as Napoli topped their group, and played 90 minutes in their 2-0 win over Frankfurt in the first leg of their last 16 tie.

He was the subject of praise from Roma boss Jose Mourinho, who unsuccessfully attempted to sign him when he was in charge of Tottenham.

Speaking ahead of Roma's clash with Napoli last month, Mourinho revealed (quotes via talkSPORT): "I wanted to sign Kim Min-jae when I was at Tottenham. I had some FaceTime calls with him.

"Our bid was €5 million, [Beijing Guoan] wanted €10 million ($11 million) for Kim and for Tottenham, that wasn't possible at that point.

"Now look at Kim and his level, he's a top player."

Man Utd keen on Kim

According to Italian outlet Correire dello Sport (via Sport Witness), United want to activate the €48 million release clause for foreign clubs that is said to exist in Kim's current Napoli contract.

Tuttomercatoweb claimed in October that this clause is only valid for a period of 15 days in the summer, so Erik ten Hag's side will have to act within that window if they want to sign the player for such a price.

However, it is also added that Napoli are keen to commit the defender to fresh terms, given his impressive start to life in Italy.

Speaking earlier this season, Kim admitted that he didn't give any attention to reports linking him with other clubs, saying they 'disturb' him.

He told You Quiz on the Block (via Sports Mole): "There are a lot of transfer stories around me, but I've only been at Napoli for six months.

"I've avoided interviews, and one of the reasons is that the rumours about me disturb me."