Celtic have reportedly taken the lead in a bidding battle for the signature of South Korean attacker Cho Gue-sung.
The Hoops have been linked with the World Cup star for weeks, after the 24-year-old Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors netted a double in Qatar for his country that turned heads across Europe. Ange Postecoglou's men have seemingly been in the hunt for some time but with competition coming from the Bundesliga in Mainz and the MLS.
Now, according to Football Scotland, Mainz's bid of around £2.7m for the player has been beaten by an offer table from Celtic. Former Manchester United star Park Ji-Sung is said to be in London negotiating as the K League 1 club's technical director. Sky Sports also now claim the Hoops offer was £3m for the forward.
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Reports had emerged that the Bundesliga outfit had 'withdrawn' their interest in the in-demand attacker, which could open a clear pathway for Celtic to sign the attacker that Postecoglou is said to be 'keen on'. The Korean star himself admitted he has dreamed of a move to Europe and revealed talks had occured with the Scottish champions.
He told Korean outlet KVN: "Celtic have six Japanese players in its squad. As you can see there, it is a team that has invested heavily in the Asian market over the past few years and there have been talks."
Meanwhile it appears current Parkhead forward Giorgos Giakoumakis could be heading for the Far East, with reports in Japan via outlet Sakamato shockingly claiming that negotiations with the wantaway forward have 'progressed' with club Uwara Red Diamonds despite Postecoglou claiming there had been no bids for the Greek.
Giakoumakis' contract talks stalled in Glasgow, with some reports suggesting the 28-year-old could leave this month, with interesting in his signature gathering pace.
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