19-year-old 'Korean Mbappe' reportedly on Wolves' radar

Jung Sang-bin [YONHAP]

Suwon Samsung Bluewings forward Jung Sang-bin has been linked with Premier League club Wolverhampton Wanderers, with reports in Britain and Korea suggesting the club is interested in acquiring the striker known as the "Korean Mbappe" during the January transfer window.

As of press time, Wolverhampton have yet to confirm their interest in Jung. Some Korean reports claim that the Premier League club has already made an offer, citing anonymous sources at Suwon.

If the 19-year-old is on the move, he is expected to immediately be loaned out to Grasshopper Club Zürich rather than joining Wolves. The two clubs have close ties, with former Wolves board member Sky Sun taking over as president of Grasshopper last season and a number of other key Wolves staff moving to the Swiss club.

Jung's professional football career has got off to a flying start over the last year. He made his senior debut with the Suwon Samsung Bluewings last season, scoring six goals and picking up two assists in 28 matches. He was called up to both the U-23 and senior national teams, scoring in his Taeguk Warriors debut in a World Cup qualifier against Sri Lanka.

Jung was training with the Korean U-23, but the Korea Football Association announced on Monday that he had been recalled by his club — presumably because of the ongoing transfer negotiations.

Wolverhampton Wanderers are no stranger to Korean footballers. The club brought in Hwang Hee-chan on loan in August and the move quickly proved to be a success. Hwang has scored four goals for the midlands club in 14 appearances so far this season and was expected to be offered a permanent move during the January transfer window.

A hamstring injury has likely delayed a permanent move for Hwang, with reports now suggesting Wolves will wait until the summer before pursuing a deal.

BY JIM BULLEY [jim.bulley@joongang.co.kr]