Chelsea and Newcastle United initiate contact with Kim Min-jae

Chelsea and Newcastle United have initiated contact with the entourage of Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae ahead of a potential summer move, reports Foot Mercato.

The South Korean centre-back is contemplating an exit from the Allianz Arena after receiving backlash for his poor form.

The 28-year-old has failed to replicate the exceptional form he showed at Napoli, which saw the Bavarians cough up €58 million for his services in 2023.

He has started in all but three games in the Bundesliga and Champions League this season, but his erratic performances against Borussia Dortmund and Inter Milan in recent weeks have drawn criticism.

The German giants are also open to selling the former Fenerbahce defender for an appropriate offer this summer. He is contracted until June 2028.

Chelsea are looking to provide an escape route for Kim as they aim to fortify their defence.

The Blues’ backline has struggled with consistency this season, leading to their fluctuating form.

Despite having a stacked squad, the likes of Tosin Adarabioyo, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Trevoh Chalobah have failed to live up to the mark.

Enzo Maresca’s side are looking to sign a high-profile centre-back who can rejuvenate their defence and help them compete for trophies.

Meanwhile, Newcastle are also scouring the market for a centre-back to provide depth to their back-line.

Dan Burn and Fabian Schar have been colossuses at the back, playing a key role in the Magpies’ EFL Cup triumph and their strong pursuit of Champions League qualification.

Eddie Howie wants to add another quality centre-back to their ranks due to Sven Botman’s recurrent injury issues.

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Kim can be a good signing for the Toon as he has the physicality to thrive in the Premier League.

Bournemouth sensation Dean Huijsen is on Newcastle’s radar, but they might struggle to fend off the competition from Chelsea and Real Madrid.