Korean on English mission

The new South Korean superstar is preparing himself for a move to The Premiership.

Park Chu-young helped South Korea to earn a place in World Cup 2006 in Germany last week before jetting off to Holland to represent the youth side in the Fifa World Youth Championship.

The 19-year-old currently plies his trade in the K-League with FC Seoul, but fully expects to be playing in England before too long.

The Asian Young Player of the Year says that he is already preparing for life in The Premiership as he expects to be moving soon.

"The most important and fascinating trait of contemporary soccer is its fast tempo," Park told the Korea University newspaper.

"The Premier League is where they play with the fastest game tempo in the world.

"That's why I want to go to England.

"If I keep working hard on my endurance, build and technique for the big tournament, there can be good results.

"I'm also learning English in preparation."

Park Chu-young is hoping to emulate his namesake and international team-mate Park Ji-sung, who is on the verge of a Premiership move.

The PSV Eindhoven winger has been expected to move to Manchester United, but the deal may be complicated by Chelsea's reported interest.

Not for the first time, Chelsea and United may have to do battle over a potential transfer target, with former PSV man Frank Arnesen apparently tipping off Jose Mourinho about Park.

Sir Alex Ferguson's interest has been confirmed by PSV and Park has indicated that he would like to move to Old Trafford, but the Dutch champions will not let him go cheaply considering his huge marketing clout in Asia.

"Park is immensely loved in his continent," said PSV chairman Rob Westerhof.

"Only because of his marketing worth Manchester United can earn a lot of money through him.

"If it comes to a transfer, it must be that we see an offer from Manchester that is a reflection of that."

The financial element could see United lose out to mega-rich Chelsea, should Mourinho follow up his interest in Park.