Celtic have been handed a potential boost in their eyeing of Ko Itakura as they look to replace the outgoing Christopher Jullien.
The Manchester City defender is on the Parkhead transfer list of possible targets this summer but the Scottish champions are not the only side who are keen to secure his signature. The 25-year-old Japan international has been the subject of negotiations between City and Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach. However, talks between the the German giants and the Premier League champions have now broken down, according to Bild.
The report claims the discussions between City and the German club have stagnated as the English behemoths are looking to raise Itakura's fee. Mönchengladbach are believed to be willing to pay €6.5million maximum for the player. But with interest from elsewhere, City are now looking for a more substantial fee for the centre half – which could in turn leave the door open for Celtic to swoop in for the star.
Itakura joined Pep Guardiola's side from Kawasaki Frontale in 2019, but is yet to play a senior game for the club. The 25-year-old was linked with a loan move to Celtic last summer before opting to take his chance in 2. Bundesliga with Schalke last campaign.
The newly promoted side opted against activating a clause in Itakura's loan to make his deal a permanent one, but his performances while in Germany have attracted a number of clubs. And now Ange Postecoglou could be a step closer to bringing the stopper to Glasgow's east end this year. The move would see Itakura link up with fellow Japan internationals Kyogo Furahashi and Daizen Maeda.
Amid the Celtic move talks, Record Sport earlier reported that the player admitted he was "happy" about the Hoops interest in landing his signature. SC Freiburg, Fulham and Bournemouth are also reportedly keeping tabs on the defender this summer. Celtic need a new centre-back with Jullien set for talks with Schalke.
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