Celtic are reported to be interested in signing Ko Itakura- strengthening their links with the City Football Group.
Over the last decade there has been a largely beneficial flow of players from the Etihad such as Jason Denayer, Patrick Roberts and John Guidetti joining on loan as well as permanent deals for Jeremie Frimpong and Olivier Ntcham.
With a strong global network and careful analysis most players brought to Manchester City are of the quality to succeed in the SPFL.
Yokohama Marinos are part of the City network, sending Itakura to Manchester 18 months ago with the Daily Record claiming:
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou is considering a move for Manchester City ’s Ko Itakura. The Japan international has had a successful loan spell at Dutch side Groningen over the last 18 months.
The 24-year-old is high on a list of targets on which the city new Celtic boss is currently working. Postecoglou is also well aware of Itakura from his own time at Japanese side Yokohama F Marinos, who are part of the City Football Group.
Postecoglou is already closing in on a deal for Hajduk Split defender Mario Vuskovic but is still looking to add to his backline options. Itakura, who has five Japanese caps, can also play as a holding midfielder.
Like most players at Manchester City Itakura has little prospect of making the breakthrough with the EPL champions but having played in Holland and under Postecoglou he should be ready to fit in straight away with central defence an area urgently in need of strengthening at Celtic.
With Celtic’s first pre-season friendly just over a week away it is expected that some signings will arrive before the squad travel to Wales for three matches.
CLICK HERE for Itakura Transfermarkt profile.