By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

25th Jun, 2023 | 7:00am

Pete O'Rourke column: Man City ready £50m Kim hijack, Laporte rejects Tottenham move, Spurs swoop for Fulham star

Welcome to the latest edition of my biweekly column – bringing you exclusive transfer and contract news, as well as news from the Premier League, EFL, Scottish Premiership and beyond.

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MAN CITY

Pep Guardiola’s side are monitoring the situation of Napoli star Kim Min-jae and could make a late move for his signature.

The South Korean had been the subject of very strong interest from Man United – but they now look set to pull out of the race.

I’m told Bayern Munich remain in pole position to get a deal done – with Kim’s £50million release clause set to become active in July.

The 26-year-old has established himself as one of Europe’s leading centre-backs with his performances in Napoli’s title-winning campaign.

Despite their interest in Kim, Man City’s top centre-back target remains Josko Gvardiol.

I’m told Kim is being sounded out as a potential backup to the RB Leipzig star – with his price tag thought to be a lot lower than that of Gvardiol.

Sources say Guardiola is very keen to strengthen at centre-back despite winning a historic treble last term.

A potential casualty of that stance could be Aymeric Laporte.

He has found it hard to break into Man City’s strongest side and adding one of Kim or Gvardiol could make that even hard.

I’m told he remains content at the Etihad Stadium – but would prefer to return to Spain if he is to exit this summer.

Meanwhile, Bayern Munich are very keen on signing right-back Kyle Walker – and I’m told Thomas Tuchel is a huge fan of the England international.

The German giants are hoping to hand Walker a longer deal than the one on offer when he sits down with Man City in the near future.

Nevertheless, City remain confident he will choose to stay at the club – and I’m told the player is happy where he is.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE MAN CITY NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

TOTTENHAM

My understanding is that Spurs have sounded Man City’s Laporte out over a potential summer switch.

I’m told the five-times Premier League winner is not interested in the prospect of joining the Lilywhites – with a lack of Champions League football a factor in that decision.

Tottenham are now set to move on to alternative targets.

Fulham’s Tosin Adarabioyo is on the list of possible centre-back arrivals as Ange Postecoglou looks to solidify his new side.

The Englishman is entering the final year of his contract at Craven Cottage and I’m told he could be available on a cut-price fee as a result.

Adarabioyo isn’t at the top of Spurs’ list but could become a real option as the transfer window progresses.

I’m told Tottenham are confident of being able to lure the 25-year-old across London.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE TOTTENHAM NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS

SHEFFIELD UNITED

The Blades have been hamstrung so far in this summer window by the ongoing takeover saga at the club.

I’m told they may have to sell players in order to boost their transfer kitty ahead of a return to the Premier League.

Sander Berge could be one star sold by Sheffield United as he is entering the final year of his contract at the club.

Sources say there has been no indication or negotiations to suggest he is willing to extend his deal at Bramall Lane.

Berge has his heart set on leaving the club, I’m told – either this summer or as a free agent in 2024.

My understanding is that Sheffield United have placed a £10million price tag on his head as they look to recoup funds this summer.

There has already been interest from Premier League and overseas clubs, and the Blades are willing to reluctantly let him go if that asking price is met.

Star attacker Iliman Ndiaye is in a similar position to Berge.

I’m told Sheffield United could be forced to also reluctantly let Ndiaye leave the club this summer.

There were offers for his services in January but he rejected approaches to focus on winning promotion to the Premier League.

But Ndiaye now has just 12 months remaining on his Bramall Lane deal and sources say player and club are some way off reaching a new agreement.

READ MORE EXCLUSIVE SHEFFIELD UNITED NEWS AND PUNDIT VIEWS