Report: Celtic alerted to Ko Itakura transfer development

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Celtic have reportedly been ‘alerted’ to the latest development of former transfer target and Japanese defender Ko Itakura.

The 25-year old is currently contracted to English Premier League side Manchester City, having signed for Pep Guardiola’s side back in 2019.

However, Itakura has spent his first few years at the Etihad out on loan, including spells at FC Groningen in the Netherlands and most recently with Schalke.

Last summer, Celtic were reportedly interested in bringing the Japanese internationalist to the club in an attempt to bolster the backline.

However, Itakura instead completed a move to Schalke, playing 32 games during his season long-loan and helping fire them back to the Bundesliga.

An option-to-buy was included in the deal, but reports over the past week have suggested that the German side was struggling to pay the agreed fee.

According to the Manchester Evening News, this has ‘alerted’ Celtic, along with several other clubs who could look to make a move for the defender.

Ange Postecoglou on the hunt for a central defender; could Itakura be his man?

As we approach the beginning of the summer transfer window, it is clear that Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou is already well underway with his transfer plans.

The Hoops have been linked with several fullbacks, and look to be closing in on a deal to bring both Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers back to the club.

There have also been suggestions over the past few weeks from the Athletic, that Postecoglou is interested in bringing another centre-back to Glasgow.

So could Ko Itakura be that man?

Well, given the previous links last summer it would make sense.

The club also have strong links with the 25-year olds parent side, and recently appointed Mark Lawwell who held the position of Head of CFG Scouting and Recruitment.

So, it will certainly be interesting to see if Celtic attempt to make their move over the coming weeks.

In other news, Report: Yet another former Celtic hero could follow David Marshall back to Scotland.