By John Duerden
The Chinese Super League season has ended, which means that the rumors are starting. This is now one of the richest leagues in the world and has spent amounts on players in 2016 that are second only to the English Premier League.
The money that is sloshing around the 16 clubs in the top flight means that there are going to be plenty of stories linking players to the big boys of the Middle Kingdom.
And this extends to Korean players. In the past week, Koo Ja-cheol and Lee Chung-yong have both been linked to moves back from Europe to Asia.
Chinese teams like Korean players. Like most leagues in Asia, there is a limit on the number of foreigners teams are allowed to have. There can be three players from anywhere in the world and one more from Asia. These Asian spaces are often filled by Korean players.
In this season, nine of the 16 clubs did just that. Koreans are in demand and as there is more money and as the stature of the Chinese league grows, better players will be attracted.
Lee is certainly possible. The winger has been in England since 2009 when he left FC Seoul to join the Bolton Wanderers. Last year, he moved south to South London and the Crystal Palace. Now 28, Lee has struggled for serious playing time ever since joining the Eagles.
In the past year, he has started just six games. Lee is usually on the bench and often makes a late appearance but it unlikely that he is ever going to become a first team regular.
If Lee wants to continue to play a regular role for the national team, a move to where he will get more minutes more often will be a boost and being closer to home will not hurt. Chinese club football is improving with some world-class talent from Europe and South America.
Koo is in a better position with FC Augsburg in Germany. The 27-year-old has been playing quite often for the mid-table Bundesliga club and has been looking pretty good. The high-energy midfielder scored eight league goals last season and is an important part of the club.
But as we all know, money not only talks in football, it screams non-stop. If a Chinese club wants Koo, it will have the money to interest Augsburg and tempt the player.
If Koo and Lee do come close to home, that will be even more reason for the national team coach to keep an eye on China.
It remains to be seen what happens to the most successful Korean export to China -- Kim Young-gwon.
The central defender joined Guangzhou Evergrande in July 2012. Since then, he has won five Chinese league titles and two Asian Champions League wins. Despite being touted as good enough to play for the best in Europe, he never left. But there are rumors he may do just that.
Obviously, if he does, he is likely to be replaced by a compatriot. Kim Kee-hee, currently with Shanghai Shenhua is one suggestion.
There will be others as the Chinese Super League affair with South Korean players looks set to continue.