Celtic Handed Major Boost In Race For 25 Year Old As New 5M Price Tag Stalls Move To Bundesliga Rivals

Celtic could still be in with a chance of signing Manchester City defender Ko Itakura, after Borussia Monchengladbach baulked at the Japanese international’s new asking price, according to reports.

A move to the Bundesliga club was looking increasingly likely but the Citizens are now believed to be demanding around £5m for the 25-year-old, which has led to negotiations coming to a halt.

Itakura spoke out about Celtic’s interest in him earlier this month, and manager Ange Postecoglou does have close connections to the City Group, so a deal could still be on the cards.

The Hoops have been focusing on signing Lommel’s Vinicius Souza who, like Itakura, can play in both defence and midfield, but Fenerbahce are said to be in pole position to sign the Brazilian at the moment.

Although Postecoglou does have four centre-back options at his disposal, Christopher Jullien is unlikely to stay if a satisfactory offer is made for him, so bringing in someone like Itakura could well be considered.