Celtic could revive their interest in Ko Itakura, according to The Daily Record’s Gavin Berry.
The Lowdown: Summer links with Celtic
The Hoops were after the Japanese defender in the summer, with Ange Postecoglou keen to take the 25-year-old on loan from Manchester City.
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Described as ‘incredibly fast’ by former Dutch footballer Haans Kray, Itakura ended up moving to Schalke 04 for the 2021/22 season and has made 21 appearances in Germany, scoring twice.
He appears to be at the top of his game, with a career-high £3.15m Transfermarkt valuation, and he shares the same agent as Hoops midfielder Matt O’Riley.
The Latest: Postecoglou a big fan
As reported by The Daily Record, the Hoops could revive their interest in Itakura, with Postecoglou a big fan of the defender.
However, Schalke reportedly have an option to buy the Japan international for £3.7m in the summer if they win promotion to the Bundesliga, which remains a distinct possibility.
The Verdict: Carter-Vickers alternative?
Celtic currently have five centre-backs on their books, one of which is Cameron Carter-Vickers. The USA international is on loan from Tottenham, with the Hoops having a £6m option to make his move permanent next summer.
The 24-year-old has been a regular in Glasgow and is the squad’s best performers in terms of aerial duels won, clearances made and being dribbled past the least. [WhoScored]
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It seems as if Postecoglou is well-stocked when it comes to centre-back options, but if the club don’t secure a permanent move for Carter-Vickers, then perhaps a possible swoop for Itakura could be a shrewd one.
In other news: Celtic chief makes 742-mile round scouting trip; journalist drops update on possible record move