Former Watford chief scout and sporting director Filippo Giraldi admits they took a close look at Kim Min-Jae.
The South Korea defender has just left Fenerbahce for Napoli.
Giraldi told TMW: "I considered Kim when he was in South Korea at Jeobunk Hyundai he cost about €5m.
"His story is fascinating: he contacted me personally with a voice translator in English. He was tough, determined, with personality: I liked him a lot, but the South Korean club wanted to respect the agreement with the Chinese of Beijing Gouan who at the time were dominant on the Asian market.
"I continued to follow him, even when he went to Beijing we dealt with him but this time the price had risen. I am sure that if he settles in Italy he will do very well. Napoli will do a great deal and with (Luciano) Spalletti on the bench they will have a great season."