Ko Itakura transfer countdown as Celtic await green light over potential move for Man City defender

Defender Ko Itakura is reportedly back on Celtic 's transfer radar this summer.

And whether a move for the Japan international is possible is set to be decided in the coming days.

On-loan at Schalke from Manchester City, Itakura first emerged as a potential target for Ange Postecoglou shortly after his arrival in Glasgow.

But the 25-year-old centre-back ended up moving to the 2. Bundesliga in the latest of a series of loans away from the Etihad, where he has never made an appearance.

It appears his long term future lies away from Manchester, with German outlet Waz reporting Schalke must decide by May 31 if they want to take up a €5.5million (£4.6m) option to buy.

Should they not make a move, other clubs would be free to lodge bids of their own.

Record Sport revealed earlier this week that centre-back was among a number of positions earmarked for strengthening at Celtic Park this summer.

It's been reported in Germany that Schalke are toiling to stump up the funds and that Europa League winners Eintracht Frankfurt are also looking on closely.

Schalke are operating on a tight budget and splashing out for Itakura, it's said, would limit what other business they could conduct as they prepare for a return to the Bundesliga.

He made 32 appearances for the Gelsenkirchen side last season, scoring four times from defence.