"Worth a gamble" - Transfer insider now drops big Celtic verdict on £4.5m-rated Japan ace

Celtic target Ko Itakura is ‘probably worth a gamble’ as manager Ange Postecoglou looks to bolster his defensive options, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Hoops were credited with an interest in the Manchester City ace last summer before he joined German outfit Schalke on loan, and they could revive their pursuit over the coming months.

Itakura played a pivotal part as Schalke claimed the Bundesliga.2 title last season, earning them promotion back to the top-flight at the first time of asking.

And Die Königsblauen have the option to make the Japan international’s stay permanent for £4.5 million, yet Sky Germany (via the Daily Record) claim they are hesitating on paying the fee.

Schalke’s indecision is said to have sparked interest in Itakura’s services from several Bundesliga sides as well as catching Celtic’s attention.

If the 25-year-old does decide to finally join the Glasgow giants, then he will be joining compatriots Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda, Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi at the club.

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The Japanese market is one manager Ange Postecoglou knows well from his time in charge of Yokohama F. Marinos and he could use his knowledge of it once again.

Jones has urged caution over Celtic attempting the same trick in the market on too many occasions but still believes signing Itakura is a risk worth taking for Postecoglou.

He told GiveMeSport: “Obviously, you’ve got to have a little bit of caution about how many times you dip into the same market because vision boards don’t always work in reality. But at this moment in time, smart signings like that are probably worth a gamble.”

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