Everton plotting bid for £9.9m-rated "monster", he's miles better than Holgate - opinion

Everton are still not sure whether they will be playing Premier League or Championship football next season as their relegation battle goes down to the wire with just three games left, but it hasn’t stopped transfer interest from mounting this month, with one player set to join Goodison Park this summer.

According to a report from Turkish news outlet Fanatik, the Toffees are amongst a number of clubs interested in signing Fenerbahçe centre-back Kim Min-jae this summer.

Napoli and Tottenham are suggested as the clubs who join Everton in plotting to make a serious offer for the South Korean, with his release clause being valued at €23m (£19.5m).

The £9.9m-rated defender has been in impressive form for the Turkish side, and with Everton’s defensive problems often being exposed this season, Frank Lampard could use a fresh impetus in the back line from a player who dominates his position.

Kim, who is nicknamed “monster” and has been referred to as the “Korean Van Dijk” by Sky Sports, has put in consistent and dominant performances in his position this season for Fenerbahçe.

According to SofaScore, in 31 appearances this season he has been successful in the majority of his duels (61%) and in the overwhelming majority of his dribbles (75%), also making 2.3 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and 4.1 clearances on average per game, which shows that his effectiveness in defensive play makes a huge impact.

When you compare these statistics to current Everton centre-back Mason Holgate, it is no wonder the Merseyside club are interested in snapping up the South Korean colossus this summer.

The Toffees defender has a lower success rate on his duels (55%) and is successful in only 33% of his dribbles, making 1.1 tackles, 1.1 interceptions and