Chelsea and Newcastle United initiate contact with Kim Min-jae | OneFootball

Chelsea and Newcastle United have initiated contact with Bayern Munich defender Kim Min-jae ahead of a potential summer move (h/t Foot Mercato).

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

The 28-year-old has failed to replicate the exceptional form he showed at Napoli, which saw the Bavarians pay €58 million for him 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 him as they aim to fortify their defence.

The Blues are looking to sign a high-profile centre-back who can rejuvenate their defence and help them compete for trophies.

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

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

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

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