Who is Yang Min-hyeok and is he ready for Spurs?

The turn of the year represents a chance for Yang Min-hyeok to be registered by Tottenham ahead of a potential first team debut.

The 18-year-old winger has already been in London for two weeks, staying at the lodge at Spurs' training ground with his agent, taking English lessons and undergoing a physical programme put in place by his new club.

His first visit to Tottenham's modern 61,000-seater stadium was to watch the 4-3 win over Manchester United in the Carabao Cup.

But, after getting 12 goals and six assists in his maiden season at Gangwon FC, the question will be whether Min-hyeok is ready for the rigours of English football.

Part of those accompanying the teenager to London were staff from his former club, including CEO Byung-ji Kim, who was a legendary goalkeeper before running one of the K League's most progressive clubs.

When asked about Min-hyeok's arrival into North London, Kim cited the influence of captain and compatriot Son Heung-min: "Everyone knows Sonny is an icon in Korea. I know they spoke but I don't know exactly what was said. I just know we had a lot of clubs contacting us about Yang in and around April - not just Spurs - but he only had eyes for them.

"Despite him never visiting London, like all Koreans, Son had an impact on him. This is the most watched club in Korea."

Min-hyeok will now have to make the gargantuan leap from Korean football to Premier League-level.

It won't be easy, admits Kim, but he says the teenage attacker's personality will help him handle comparisons with Son and adapt, adding: "We knew his potential before he even made his debut for the club but what convinced me of his readiness was a good performance in pre-season against Russian side Dynamo Moscow, which for a 17-year-old, was exceptional.

"I think his creativity will immediately be an asset in the Premier League but he needs to bulk up physically and show he can perform the level of high sprints needed at Tottenham.

"But he is quick, can play on the left and the right, uses both feet and has similarities to Son but is more of a creator than goal scorer. If you met him, you'd see his personality is humble and a bit shy but on the pitch he is enthusiastic, competes very well and builds good relationships with his team-mates.

"What impressed me is that he thought only about football when in Korea, avoiding direct requests to be interviewed on big TV shows in Korea. That wasn't something we told him to do but he did it himself. I've told him English football is hard but to stay at this level for at least two or three years.

"I don't worry about him feeling the pressure of copying Son as he is a calm, level-headed person."

Min-hyeok is far from the first Korean to come to the Premier League, but along with Brentford's Kim Ji-soo, they are the first teenagers to directly leave the league for English football.

It is a positive trend, according to Kim, who met staff at Chelsea's academy, along with other executives from other clubs in European football on his trip, said: "English clubs are looking at our talent at a younger and younger age - as they do in South America, other European markets and in Africa.

"I use these trips to Europe to meet many people. We hope many Korean players come to Europe through Gangwon FC. It is a personal ambition of mine. We need to sell to Europe to get transfer fees and it is a win-win.

"Also, when I was a player, my career goal was to play for the national team but when I talk to kids they just want to play in the Premier League or Champions League. I want them to realise their dreams."