Everton scouted Fenerbahce’s Kim Min-Jae three years ago but decided against a move as the jump to Europe was too great.
That’s according to Carlo Jacomuzzi, who worked as a scout for the Toffees for several years and has confirmed Everton’s interest in the South Korean.
The 25-year-old centre-back has been impressing in Turkey since arriving from BJ Guoan for £2.7m last season.
It’s led to an interest in him around Europe, and he is currently being linked with a move to Napoli as a potential replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly.
That report named them as ‘serious suitors’ but made it clear that they would have to activate his €25m release clause to get him.
The interest was presented as being new, but it appears that is not the case for Everton, with Jacomuzzi revealing he was scouting him three years ago.
“I followed him at Everton three years ago,” Area Napoli report him saying.
“We had a good opinion of the boy, but it seemed too big a leap for him to go from Asia to Europe.
“Now, having had the experience in Turkey, I think he could be ready for Serie A, as the Turkish league is tough and competitive anyway.”
