Son, who could be selected as one of three overage wild card players, was refused permission by his former club team Bayer Leverkusen to play in the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon when the South beat North Korea in the gold medal match, the first time they had won the tournament since 1986. 

The Asian Games is not on the FIFA list for which clubs must release players but Son's Premier League club are reportedly considering allowing him to travel to Indonesia to represent South Korea.

A gold medal at the Asian Games would earn all the players who take part an exemption from almost two-years of mandatory military service. 

All able-bodied South Korean males must serve 21 months in the military and Korean law states that the period of service must begin before the age of 27 which means the 25-year-old Son could be forced to interrupt his football career soon to complete his period of duty.

Son has scored 18 goals for Tottenham his season and has been one of the club's best players. 

The football tournament at the Asian Games is due to start on August 15 - three days before the official Opening Ceremony - and conclude with the gold medal match on September 1.

The English Premier League 2018-2019 season is due to start on August 11. 

"Son has a strong will to compete at the Asian Games," Kim told South Korean new agency Yonhap. 

"But first, there's the World Cup. I told Son to play well in Russia before we meet at the Asian Games."

Kim admitted, though, there would need to be careful negotiations with Tottenham to secure Son's release for the Asian Games. 

"It's a sensitive issue," Kim told Yonhap. 

"I believe the Korea Football Association (KFA) will handle this matter well. 

"The men's senior national team, the U-23 team, the KFA and the player's club should all work closely."