Journalist: Celtic may move for 'incredibly fast' ace at top of his game; O'Riley has same agent

Celtic could revive their interest in Ko Itakura, according to The Daily Record’s Gavin Berry.

The Hoops were after the Japanese defender in the summer, with Ange Postecoglou keen to take the 25-year-old on loan from Manchester City.

Described as ‘incredibly fast’ by former Dutch footballer Haans Kray, Itakura ended up moving to Schalke 04 for the 2021/22 season and has made 21 appearances in Germany, scoring twice.

He appears to be at the top of his game, with a career-high £3.15m Transfermarkt valuation, and he shares the same agent as Hoops midfielder Matt O’Riley.

As reported by The Daily Record, the Hoops could revive their interest in Itakura, with Postecoglou a big fan of the defender.

However, Schalke reportedly have an option to buy the Japan international for £3.7m in the summer if they win promotion to the Bundesliga, which remains a distinct possibility.

Celtic currently have five centre-backs on their books, one of which is Cameron Carter-Vickers. The USA international is on loan from Tottenham, with the Hoops having a £6m option to make his move permanent next summer.

The 24-year-old has been a regular in Glasgow and is the squad’s best performers in terms of aerial duels won, clearances made and being dribbled past the least. [WhoScored]

It seems as if Postecoglou is well-stocked when it comes to centre-back options, but if the club don’t secure a permanent move for Carter-Vickers, then perhaps a possible swoop for Itakura could be a shrewd one.

In other news: Celtic chief makes 742-mile round scouting trip; journalist drops update on possible record move

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