Manchester United were offered star Napoli defender Kim Min-jae for a cut-price fee only 18 months ago.

The Mirror says Min-jae, one of the outstanding performers for his country at the World Cup in Qatar, attracted interest from both United and Spurs when Chinese side Beijing Sinobo Guoan decided to cash in on him.

The asking price was £3million, but while the Premier League rivals hesitated Fenerbahce nipped in and took him to Turkey. Twelve months later they sold him to Napoli for £16million - a more than 400 percent profit.

Questions are now being asked within Old Trafford why the club didn't follow up their interest in the 26-year-old who has proved more than a suitable replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly who left for Chelsea.

Nicknamed 'The Monster' due to his 6ft 3in physique he has helped propel Napoli to the top of Serie A.

But a £38million release clause in his contract has left the Italians vulnerable to bids from a growing number of suitors, which also now includes Real Madrid.