'Soccer Prince' signs for Everton

Jin Hui checks in at Goodison Park

Everton have signed a 19-year-old Chinese footballer to their academy in conjunction with a reality television programme called 'Soccer Prince'.

Jin Hui was chosen from thousands of hopefuls at trails for the programme in China last year.

On his decision to audition for the show Hui told BBC Radio Merseyside: "There are many people who like the English Premier League in China.

"I can improve a lot through training and playing in the games," he added.

Soccer Prince has an estimated audience of 130m in China.

Jin Hui was one of three players to make it through the audition process, which the programme's makers claim involved up to 18,000 boys.

Everton academy director Ray Hall was involved in the final selection process.

He felt that Soccer Prince stands out from other offers the club have received in the past as the boys are not made false promises.

"The prize is an experience at a Premier League club, obviously our own. It wasn't about the winner 'will play for Everton'.

"I think if Jin Hui achieves a professional contract anywhere around the world then it will be a real achievement for him."