A representative of South Korean international Cho Gue-sung has confirmed the inevitable interest in the striker from across Europe.
However, they have also ruled out early reports suggesting Fenerbahce and Stade Rennes could be two of those clubs.
The 24-year-old finished top goalscorer in the K-League 1 last campaign after spending time on loan at Gimcheon Sangmu and parent club Jeonbuk.
After a strong showing back in his homeland, the striker received a well-deserved call-up by his nation to the 2022 World Cup squad.
In Qatar, Cho Gue-sung has been one of the shining lights for South Korea, helping his side reach the last 16 of the tournament.
His best moment came as he scored his fifth and sixth goals for his country in 18 caps during an unfortunate 3-2 defeat to the hands of Ghana.
After scoring a double at the world’s most prestigious tournament, interest from across Europe was always likely to sky-rocket.
Reports in Scotland suggested that Celtic were one of the clubs interested in the striker as Ange Postecoglou looks to bolster his attacking options.
Although one of the player’s representatives didn’t confirm whether Celtic was one of the many clubs targeting the talented striker, they did confirm that plenty of interest has arisen in Europe.
However, Turkish side Fenerbahçe and French Ligue 1 team Stade Rennes were ruled out for the time being, with those rumours from Korean media being shutdown.
They said [Kyunghyun Sinmun]: “The rumours that these clubs (Fenerbahçe and Rennes) are interested in Cho Kyu-sung are not true.”
“However, ‘it is true that there is interest (in Cho Kyu-sung) in Europe,’ he said, adding that it is clear that European leagues are keeping an eye on Cho Kyu-sung.”
Celtic face a battle from clubs across Europe, but Ange influence may play to Hoops’ advantage.
After being such a success in his homeland and then bursting onto the scene at the World Cup, there was inevitably going to be plenty of interest in Cho Gue-sung.
At each one of these competitions every four years, there are several players from countries across the globe who earn their move off the back of their performances at the World Cup.
And Cho Gue-sung looks to be well on his way to being the next successful player from this year’s competition.
So, Celtic could face a bit of a battle on their hands, with clubs from across Europe looking to sign the striker, who has also been a success in the K-League.
However, one advantage the Bhoys may have on their hands is Ange Postecoglou, who has showcased his abilities and knowledge in the Asian market.
The former Socceroos boss has made five signings from the J-League, and the likes of Kyogo Furuhashi and Reo Hatate have been massive triumphs.
Postecoglou’s knowledge doesn’t just end there, though. He has also talked up his experience watching other leagues, which will include the K-League.
The Celtic manager came up against Cho Gue-sung during his time managing Yokohama F Marinos. So, he will be well aware of him as a player.
So, the Jeonbuk frontman may see that success and want to take a similar path, which could one day lead to an even bigger move, which a club like Celtic has a track record for.
This link is certainly an exciting one, given Cho Gue-sung’s recent exploits in Qatar. So it will be interesting to see how far Celtic can get in any potential pursuit of the striker.
In other news, What will be will be for Juranovic and Celtic as latest Fabrizio Romano report comes in.
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