Everton are reportedly taking an interest in Fenerbahce centre-back Kim Min-jae ahead of the summer transfer window, and with the South Korea international reportedly in England, a deal with a Premier League club could well be on the cards.

What's the word?

According to Turkish journalist Volkan Demir, the Toffees and Tottenham Hotspur are both interested in signing the 25-year-old this summer after his impressive performances in Istanbul.

Both clubs are reported to have progressed in negotiations with the defender, and it seems as if Kim may well be on move again this summer after making the switch to Turkey in 2021.

An instant upgrade for Everton?

The 2021/22 season saw Kim make 31 appearances in the Turkish Super Lig, in which he averaged an impressive 6.91 rating from WhoScored for his performances, which was better than any defender in Everton's squad in the Premier League.

Valued at just £12.6m, the centre-back would also represent a relatively cheap option for Frank Lampard this summer, as the 43-year-old looks to improve on a Toffees defence which shipped 66 goals in the most recent top-flight campaign.

Meanwhile, Fenerbahce conceded 38 goals in the same number of matches in their league, which suggests that, although the Super Lig is of a lower standard compared to the English top flight, Kim can be relied upon to keep opponents out.

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At 6 foot 3, he certainly won't lack the physicality required to play in the Premier League, while his performances have also earned him the praise of Turkish news outlet Potomac, who described him as "indispensable" in recent months.

The 2021/22 season saw the 25-year-old average 1.5 tackles, 2.3 interceptions and 4.1 clearances per game in the Super Lig. This was more interceptions and clearances than anyone in Everton's squad, while only Ben Godfrey averaged more tackles from Lampard's central defensive options.

In addition to making an impact on the pitch, the signing of a popular South Korea international could do wonders for Everton off the field, as has been seen with the formation of South Korean Tottenham Hotspur fan clubs following the success of Heung-min Son in north London.

Therefore, it seems clear that Kim would be an excellent addition to Lampard's squad this summer, and is a deal that Farhad Moshiri must now look to complete.

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