Summer Celtic transfer target Ko Itakura has revealed he would like to stay with Schalke long term.
But it could still hinge on the German side winning promotion to the Bundesliga.
Record Sport exclusively revealed Ange Postecoglou was keen to take Itakura to Parkhead at the start of the season.
The Manchester City defender had been on loan at Groningen and was leaving the Etihad but moved to Schalke.
Celtic lost out on Itakura but could revive their interest with Postecoglou a big fan of the 25-year-old international team-mate of the current Hoops Japanese contingent.
Schalke can reportedly sign the player for £3.7 million if they win promotion and are currently fifth in the German second tier, albeit only two points off top spot.
But Itakura told Bild : “I feel good here and want to play for Schalke in the long term.”
Schalke sporting director Rouven Schroeder previously revealed how they beat off competition from Celtic to sign the stopper.
He said: “It took a lot of patience to sign him from Manchester City.
"For example, Celtic had tracked him for a year and were desperate to sign him, but we managed to beat them to it.
"We had to wait and wait and the deal could not be completed until the Olympic football tournament had finished which probably helped us.”
