Celtic will need to pay around £5.1m in order to sign Ko Itakura from Manchester City, according to reports in Germany. The defender spent last season on loan with Schalke but is expected to be allowed to leave this summer.
According to Kicker, Celtic will need to compete with Hoffenheim for the signature of the Japanese Internationalist. There will likely be a number of clubs looking to sign the defender, especially given his level of performance for Schalke.
Itakura impressed with Schalke as they gained promotion from Bundesliga.2 at the first time of asking. However, the North-Rhine side declined to take up the €6m option to buy the defender, claiming it to be too pricey. The 25-year-old is entering his final year with Man City and they will be keen to cash in. The Celtic-City link has been strengthened this summer with the arrival of Mark Lawwell.
Ange Postecoglou had targetted the defender, who can also play defensive midfield, last summer before opting to sign Carl Starfelt and Cameron Carter-Vickers. The USA Internationalist has already signed up until 2026 as the manager strengthens his side.
Another defender would be ideal for Celtic, especially as it would provide depth to the backline.
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