Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou has revealed that he tried to sign Kaoru Mitoma before he made the switch to Brighton.

The Japanese international scored his tenth goal of the season in the Seagulls’ 3-3 draw against Brentford at the weekend and his performances have been widely praised. Postecoglou says he did attempt to recruit the winger at the same time as Kyogo Furuhashi but his move to the south coast was already close to being finalised:

“I tried to get him here but it was already almost done for him to go to Brighton. Him and Kyogo were the first two players I tried to bring across. Mitoma would have been a good signing but, unfortunately for us, Brighton also have a very good scouting network.”

“They managed to pick him up and there was never any doubt in my mind that he was one who was going to be a top player. He has done really well down there, which hasn’t surprised me.”

Mitoma’s displays this campaign have led to him being linked with most of the Premier League’s ‘Big Six’, including Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

It once again demonstrates Postecoglou’s eye for talent. While it appears that there was never any chance of Mitoma moving to Celtic Park, the Hoops would certainly have had a phenomenal front three if he had been able to link up with the likes of Kyogo and Jota.