Kyogo 'considered' for stunning Man City transfer as Celtic star down to final 2 in Pep Guardiola striker search

Manchester City are reportedly “considering” a shock swoop for Celtic star Kyogo Furuhashi.

The Japan international moved to Parkhead three years ago in a £4.5 million deal from J-League side Vissel Kobe - where he worked under City No. 2 Juan Manuel Lillo - and The Athletic now say that Pep Guardiola’s English Premier League champions are weighing up a move for the 29-year-old as a replacement for Julian Alvarez, who joined Atletico Madrid in an £82m switch.

They say that Kyogo, who recently changed his agent, is one of two players - the other being a “younger forward” - being considered by the mega-bucks Etihad side as they look to bring in a striker who would be willing to accept being a squad player under Guardiola. But re-signing former City hero and Germany captain Ilkay Gundogan, who is free to leave Manchester City, is the priority for the Citizens and they will then turn their attention to their striker plans which means Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers and Parkhead chiefs could be made to sweat.

Kyogo - who has netted 73 goals in 135 games since moving to the Scottish Premiership champions - missed Sunday’s Premier Sports Cup win over Hibs due to a shoulder injury which might require surgery at some point and The Athletic say that personal terms wouldn’t be an issue for City if they pursue the Hoops talisman. Celtic have already brought in last season’s loan hero Adam Idah in the striking department.