Report indicates Celtic showed interest in Japan international before recent £3m England move

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Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers will feel satisfied with the squad depth at his disposal following a late flurry of transfer activity at the reigning Scottish Premiership champions.

The Irishman paid tribute to the ‘good work’ carried out by the club over several months to ensure his group have an adequate spread of quality and depth for forthcoming endeavours.

Arne Engels, Luke McCowan and Auston Trusty have all arrived to strengthen the core of the side. Meanwhile, Alex Valle provides adequate competition on the left-hand side of defence for Greg Taylor.

Undoubtedly, there will be other targets in certain areas that Celtic couldn’t reach. That is part and parcel of transfer business, with an unsuccessful late enquiry for Lazio winger Gustav Isaksen being one example of this in play.

Now, reports have emerged claiming the Bhoys were interested in bringing in a midfielder who chose to move south of the border instead.

Celtic wanted Ao Tanaka before Leeds United move

According to The Athletic, Celtic were interested in Japan international Ao Tanaka alongside Como and Midtjylland before the midfielder chose to move to Leeds United from Fortuna Dusseldorf.

In the end, the 25-year-old viewed Elland Road as the best next step for him despite harbouring ambitions to play in the Champions League, something he would’ve got to experience in Glasgow.

Making his name in Germany, Tanaka registered ten goals and eight assists in 95 appearances for Fortuna Dusseldorf before securing a late switch to England.

However, like many transfer links, they sometimes fall by the wayside. At international level, he has registered eight goals in 27 outings for Japan, though he opted to sit out of their Asian Cup campaign earlier this year.

Tanaka made his debut for Leeds United against Hull City last weekend as a substitute as the Whites extended their unbeaten run to three matches.

Crucially, he opted for Yorkshire over Glasgow. It isn’t clear how far Celtic’s interest in the former Kawasaki Frontale man went, but it is intriguing to see the club were looking in places that haven’t been previously reported. Either way, Rodgers will be happy with the options at his disposal.