Report: Everton ‘showing interest’ in Hwang Hee-chan but £35.8m price-tag a massive stumbling block

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Everton are reportedly keen on a move for Red Bull Salzburg forward Hwang Hee-chan, according to a report. 

The Liverpool Echo suggests that the Toffees are keen on the South Korean and have been ‘showing interest’ in signing the attacker. 

The same report also delves into Everton’s transfer plans this summer, suggesting the Toffees will be looking for quality over quantity with the idea of swap deals and loan signings the priority. 

Which makes signing Hwang a difficult proposition. 

The Austrian side have recently sold both Takumi Minamino and Erling Braut Haaland so, financially, they are in no position where they would need to sell Hwang. 

A previous report from Salzburger Nachrichten suggested that Hwang is currently valued at €40 million (£35.8m), a fee Everton are unlikely to pay given his lack of exposure in Europe’s top leagues. Indeed, even a previous loan spell to German second-tier side Hamburg was unconvincing. 

As for loaning him out or potential swap deals it is hard to see them letting Hwang go temporarily whilst not many of the current Everton crop have been linked with a move to the Austrian Bundesliga. 

Of course, there is perhaps scope in Everton offering up some of their unwanted younger talents, such as Beni Baningime, Kieran Dowell, or Fraser Hornby, but still Hwang seems an unlikely swap option. 

The South Korean, who has scored 13 goals and assisted 16 this season, is a speed demon who can operate in the central striking role or from the left-wing and Everton are right to be keeping tabs on his development. 

But in the next transfer window, Hwang looks like a player who might be out of Everton’s reach.