The Hornets are keen to bring the centre-back to Vicarage Road this month despite him currently being away representing his country at the Asian Cup
Watford are in talks to sign South Korea international defender Kim Min-jae as Javi Gracia looks to bolster his squad during the January transfer window.
The 22-year-old is currently representing his country at the Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates where he has scored two goals during his side's passage to the last 16.
But he could yet seal a move to the Premier League over the next few days, with his current club, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, confirming an offer - reported to be in the region of £6 million ($7.7m) - has been received from the Hornets.
"Watford have made an offer," revealed general manager Baek Seung-kwon to SPOTV News. "I cannot give many details about the deal, but it will be like how Lee Jae-sung [who joined Holsten Kiel in July] went to Germany.
"Kim also knows that Watford’s proposal has come in. The player and Watford are in negotiations and he is doing it through his own channels because he is away at the Asian Cup."
Nicknamed 'Monster', Kim has been likened in his home country to England defender Harry Maguire due to his strong physical presence and threat from set-pieces.
He has won 15 caps for South Korea, though he missed out on the 2018 World Cup with a back injury, and has previously held talks with Chinese Super League side Beijing Guoan regarding a transfer.
He has now recovered, however, and will line up in a team set to contain Tottenham forward Son Heung-min when South Korea take on Bahrain on Tuesday.
Should he complete a move to Vicarage Road he would battle with the likes of Christian Kabasele and Craig Cathcart for a place in Gracia's first team.
The Spanish coach has earned praise this season, with his side sat seventh in the table heading into the Premier League weekend.
Vipacdknot
2
man Utd get this guy. he can be used until we get koulibalay next summer.
sharkteam5
1
Korean McGuire
AndresOmalio
3
Son brother
mausham100
4
wow he is good Cb plays like harry maguire
addition
0
At first glance at the title i thought the player's name was Hyundai and i wanted to make a car joke. Now i feel depressed that i cant make it.
Robberyone
1
If my Football Manager experience is anything to go by - he will be denied a work permit.
hero666
2
Heard he has a great engine and strong drive
Halifax
1
Heard he has a great engine and strong drive
lahmmiss
1
You had me at centre back!
Mutable
3
I've watched around 15 or so games of his all for the national team and I'd say hes like an asian Harry Maguire stylistically. I'm always skeptical about our hyped defenders because we've never really had any do well internationally outside of Lee Young Pyo but this guy is the best prospect I've seen in my lifetime. Not entirely sure if hes ready for the step up to the EPL yet... Koreans don't really have the best track record there so I was hoping his first European move would be to the Bundesliga where he would be given more patience.
outspoken
2
strong defender who is quick on his foot. makes his opponents in Asia look like 10 year olds. was groomed to lead Korean defence at the World Cup but got injured
Dianaa
2
Right, so has anyone seen him play? What's he like, cause we desperately need a CB who can start for us
kazoo
4
good to see clubs looking to the asian leagues for talent
mighty96red
1
good