Newcastle United are reportedly working on a deal to sign Bayern Munich centre-back Kim Min-jae this summer.
The Magpies are expected to prioritise the addition of a least one new central defender when the transfer window opens, as Eddie Howe's side have been short of options in that department throughout this season.
Fabian Schar and Dan Burn have featured regularly at the heart of defence as both Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles have been hampered with injuries, the latter of whom has been sidelined for more than 12 months with a troublesome ACL issue.
After a couple of quiet transfer windows in which they prioritised generating funds from player sales to avoid breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules, Newcastle are expected to have money to spend this summer.
The Magpies' financial position will be strengthened if they manage to qualify for next season's Champions League, with Howe's men currently sitting third in the Premier League table with only four games remaining.
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Newcastle plotting move for £40m-rated Kim Min-jae
One defender who has emerged as a leading target for Newcastle in South Korea international Kim, with Football Insider reporting that the Magpies' interest could soon become 'concrete'.
It remains to be seen whether Bayern Munich will be willing to part ways with the 28-year-old, who has started 44 games across all competitions for Vincent Kompany's side this season.
Kim is under contract at the Allianz Arena until June 2028, but it is understood that the Bundesliga champions-elect could entertain offers of around £40m for the defender.
Signing an experienced defender like Kim is said to appeal to Newcastle, but they may also look to pursue younger centre-back options, with as many as five other names emerging as potential summer targets.
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Guehi, Van Hecke, Diomande, Thiaw, Huijsen also on Newcastle's radar
Newcastle attempted to sign Crystal Palace captain Marc Guehi last summer, but they failed with multiple bids as they were unwilling to meet the Eagles' £70m asking price.
It is understood that the Magpies still hold an interest in the 24-year-old England international, while TBR Football claims that Brighton & Hove Albion's Jan Paul van Hecke is another defender on their radar.
Van Hecke, 24, has established himself as an important first-team player for Fabian Hurzeler's side, starting 29 Premier League games this season, and the Seagulls are believed to be keen to extend his contract that expires in June 2027.
However, both Newcastle and Bayer Leverkusen have expressed an interest in the Netherlands international, who could be persuaded to join either Champions League-chasing club in the summer.
Newcastle are said to have also added Sporting Lisbon's Ousmane Diomande, 21, and AC Milan's Malick Thiaw, 23, to their shortlist of central defensive targets.
Bournemouth star Dean Huijsen, 20, is another who has been linked with a move to St James' Park, but it remains unknown as to where the Magpies stand in the hotly-contested race for the £50m-rated youngster.
Oliver Thomas
![Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe pictured on May 22, 2024 [IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/11/29/1x1.gif?w=1&h=1 "Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe pictured on May 22, 2024 [IMAGO]")
