Crystal Palace and West Ham United are interested in signing South Korean forward Hwang Hee-Chan, according to Mike McGrath of The Telegraph.
The forward, 25, joined RB Leipzig last summer but has struggled during his first season with the German club.
Crystal Palace and West Ham United Monitoring Hwang Hee-Chan
In the Market for a Striker
Both Palace and West Ham are likely to be in the market for a striker this summer.
The Eagles are likely to be in the market for two strikers, with Christian Benteke’s future at the club still hanging in the balance. The Belgian forward has scored six goals in 27 appearances so far this season but is yet to sign a new deal, with his current contract expiring this summer.
As a result, the South London side are looking at the market for potential replacements, and Hee-Chan is likely to be one of several targets.
Hee-Chan has struggled in his first season with Leipzig after joining from RB Salzburg last season. The South Korean international has scored three goals this season, the last of which came in the DFB-Pokal tie against Werder Bremen on April 30.
However, Palace will face stern competition for the South Korean forward, with West Ham also showing interest in the forward.
The Hammers were interested in signing the forward in the January transfer window, according to Sky Sports. However, speaking at the time, Leipzig boss Julian Nagelsmann confirmed that the move hinged on the German side signing a replacement.
“Hwang is trying to go on a loan deal,” he said.
“He wants to play more. I had a conversation with him yesterday. I agree with his opinion.
“But if we don’t get two more strikers, which I don’t expect, it doesn’t make sense from his point of view for us to give him up.”
Despite their current league position, David Moyes is currently playing without a recognised striker following the departure of Sebastien Haller in January. However, Michail Antonio and Jesse Lingard have filled the void for the Frenchman, scoring a combined 13 goals during the second half of the season.
Huge Potential
At the age of 25, the South Korean forward still has huge potential to become a world-class forward.
Hee-Chan enjoyed a successful beginning to his career at RB Salzburg, scoring 45 goals in 126 appearances. His last campaign with the Austrian side was his best; he registered 16 goals and 16 assists as Salzburg romped to the Austrian Bundesliga title.
However, he has struggled during his first season in Germany. The forward has had spells out of the side and tested positive for COVID-19 earlier in the season.
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