Chelsea FC's £52m transfer of Maxence Lacroix from Crystal Palace has reportedly led Manchester United to eye Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae. The South Korea international, 29, has made over 100 appearances for Bayern since his €50m move from Napoli in 2023. Manchester United have put Kim on their ‘transfer list’ ahead of the new Premier League season, according to reports in Germany. The Red Devils could yet bolster Michael Carrick’s squad further before the end of the summer transfer window, with the club keen to sign a new left-back to support Luke Shaw and another forward to support Benjamin Sesko. League standing (final 2025 table -- new season not yet under way): 10th in Premier League, 52 pts, 14W-10D-14L from 38 games, recent form LWDLL. Goals this season: 58 scored, 52 conceded (+6 goal difference). Title race: 33 points behind leaders Arsenal. Manchester United are also believed to be open to the possibility of signing a new centre-back given Lisandro Martinez and Leny Yoro’s injury issues and the fact Harry Maguire turns 34 during the upcoming season. Bayern Insider says United have held long-term interest in Kim and have once again put the Bayern Munich star on their ‘transfer list’ this summer. ‘There is some truth to reports around Manchester United’s interest in Min-jae Kim,’ German transfer expert Christian Falk said. ‘As I’ve mentioned with Bayern Insider previously, the South Korean international is on the list at United. ‘They’re always looking at his situation at Bayern Munich. That said, Min-jae Kim is very clear at the moment that he wants to stay at Bayern and he’s fine with his current role at the club. ‘He’s not in the starting XI at the moment, but he has a chance to get there if he’s playing well and, of course, if injuries strike. So, Kim wants to see if he can push back into the team. ‘It’s not like he’s so disappointed that he wants to force a move, and this is a very good situation for Bayern Munich, as they’re fully aware they can’t rely on just two senior centre-backs for an entire season. ‘Having a player like Kim available is critical if they want to go far in all competitions – especially in the Champions League. ‘Remember, succeeding in Europe is a big target for Bayern Munich. Vincent Kompany made it clear that Bayern want to do better than they did last term. ‘The target is winning the competition. I can’t remember this aim ever being so clearly formalised by the head coach as Kompany did. ‘So, you see, they need a really good squad and they need high-quality options like Min-jae Kim. So, whatever way you look at it, it’s a good thing that he’s staying.’ Manchester United reportedly agreed personal terms with Kim back in 2023 but the South Korean favoured a move to German giants Bayern Munich. Maguire and Yoro are expected to start United’s Premier League opener against Hull City next weekend after Martinez picked up another injury during Argentina’s World Cup final defeat to Spain.