Mainz sports director Christian Heidel has admitted they want to sign Celtic target Cho Gue-Sung, but have been priced out of the market.
The Hoops are still regarded as favourites to land the South Korean World Cup striker, but Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors' price tag of around £2.65 million is proving a sticking point for clubs, with MLS side Minnesota United also confirming their interest in the 24-year-old.
And Bundesliga side Mainz have insisted they are not interested in a bidding war in Cho because they can't afford it.
Mainz are currently in a winter training camp in Marbella and Heidel confirmed their interest in the Celtic signing target.
He said: "We are looking for strikers. That's not a secret.
"With regards to Cho Gue-Sung, we like the player - that's why we asked the question to his club.
"But if Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors can sell him for the price quoted in the media of 3 million Euros [£2.65m], then Mainz doesn't matter because we won't be in the market."
Cho and his club representatives were reportedly in London this week to negotiate a possible transfer, with Celtic keen to add more to their January additions.
Meanwhile, Tomoki Iwata believes his hard work and ball-winning capabilities can help Celtic to even more success.
The Japanese midfielder arrived in Glasgow last week following his move from Yokohama F Marinos, where he previously played under Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou.
The versatile defensive-minded player joins a side sitting nine points clear in the cinch Premiership but he is confident he can add to the team.
The 25-year-old told Celtic’s official website: “The team has been winning a lot of games and is in first place in the league so this is why I’m thinking how I can contribute to the team.
“I think my strong point is stealing the ball and my fitness and I think once I fit into the team I can contribute to achieve more success.
“I think my strong point is also working hard and in terms of my playing style then dealing with balls under pressure and this is what I would like to express.
“I also played with the manager in Japan so I would like to show my play on the pitch and contribute to the team.”
