Portsmouth target eyes European switch

Former Portsmouth target Lee Chun-Soo has been given the green light by his South Korean club to return to Europe when the transfer window opens in January.

The 25-year-old winger, who scored against Togo at the World Cup this summer, is thought to be interested in a move away from the K-League.

Lee was linked with Pompey earlier in the year but opted against a transfer, instead choosing to finish the season with Ulsan, who reached the semi-finals of the AFC Champions League and narrowly missed out on the K-League Championship play-off.

However, with the Korean season over the Tigers are resigned to losing him and are expecting interest from England – with Portsmouth likely to resurrect their interest in the player – as well as elsewhere in Europe.

“Lee Chun-Soo has always had a strong desire to play overseas, so realistically, it’s hard to keep him,” a club spokesman told Sports Chosun.

“Of course, his departure will weaken our attack but we will soon have (attacking midfielder) Chung Kyung-Ho back from military service.”

Lee has made almost 70 appearances for his country and is a veteran of two World Cups.

His performances at the 2002 competition earned him a move to Real Sociedad but he proved a disappointment in San Sebastian and during his subsequent loan spell at Numancia.

Lee returned to Korea in July 2005 and was named the K-League’s best player last December after helping his side claim the league title.

He was selected as one of three over-age players by South Korea coach Pim Verbeek for the Asian Games in Doha and found the net during their 3-0 victory against Bangladesh in their opening game on Tuesday night.