The agent of Napoli and South Korean star Kim Min-jae revealed Tottenham were interested in signing him earlier this year.
Kim played in South Korea and China before joining Fenerbahce in August of last year. He appeared in 40 games for the club, helping them finish second in the Turkish Super Lig.
During his first season in Europe, the centre-back put in some impressive performances, prompting big teams to pursue him including the likes of Tottenham, Chelsea, Arsenal, Inter, Juventus, Napoli, and Roma.
And at one point Spurs were the one pushing the hardest to sign him however, Antonio Conte and Fabio Paratici were disappointed when the 25-year-old joined Napoli in late July.
In a documentary focusing on players from their national team, Kim’s adviser Ho Lee was asked about clubs who pushed to complete a summer transfer. He confirmed that Spurs, were among the potential suitors for Kim. He said (via Sport Witness):
“Inter, Juventus, Tottenham, Rennes and Roma have tried to sign Kim, and many clubs have held meetings on video, but we wanted Kim to be able to play in a good team with a certain continuity, and that team was Napoli.”
Clement Lenglet was eventually brought in by the Spurs instead. Barcelona loaned the Frenchman to Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for a season.