Kim Min-jae getting calls from English, Chinese teams

Korean defender Kim Min-jae is reportedly already receiving offers from clubs in Britain and China.

English Premier League club Watford FC has reportedly offered £6 million ($7.7 million) for the 22-year-old defender responsible for scoring Korea’s second goal against China on Jan. 16.

Watford, currently ranked seventh in the EPL, faces competition from the Chinese team Beijing Guoan which, according to The Sun, has already made Kim a £4.6 million offer.

The 22-year-old Kim, nicknamed “The Monster” thanks to his height and strength in the air, currently plays in the K League for Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors. After just two years with the club he was named Young Player of the Year last season.

Despite the award, it wasn’t an easy season for Kim. In May, he fractured his right shin while playing for Jeonbuk against Daegu FC, ultimately missing out on a spot on the World Cup roster. Prior to the injury there were rumors that EPL teams Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool were interested in signing Kim, but his time off the pitch closed the door on those opportunities.

If Kim does join Watford he will become the third currently active Korean player in the premier league, joining Son Heung-min of Spurs and Ki Sung-yueng of Newcastle United.

Unconfirmed reports Monday evening said Kim is more likely to take Beijing’s offer because details had already been worked out before Watford expressed interest.

By Jim Bulley