German side Borussia Monchengladbach now look to be favourites to sign Japanese defender Ko Itakura according to Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas after the defender has been linked with a move to Celtic. 

Itakura made a total of 32 appearances for Schalke on loan last season scoring four goals along the way as the side were promoted back to the Bundesliga.

It had been rumoured that Celtic were interested in the 25 year old defender as Ange Postecoglou looks to bolster his defensive options with the club also being linked with Taylor Harwood-Bellis who looks as though he may be heading to Burnley under the newly appointed Vincent Kompany. Postecoglou will know Itakura’s qualities well from his time spent in Japan.

Manchester City are unable to offer Itakura first team football with their current price tag on Itakura of around £5.2 million unable to be met by Schalke which has allowed interest from other teams.

In common with both these players is their connection to the City Football Group with both players currently still at Manchester City. Many Celtic fans will be hoping that with the arrival of Mark Lawwell to the club, that his links to the City Football Group can be used to Celtic’s benefit.

Sources have told CeltsAreHere that Celtic have asked to be kept in the loop about Itakura’s availability. It is also important to note that Itakura’s agent is CAA Base Ltd who are also tied to Matt O’Riley. The Celtic connection here is Frank Trimboli who appeared to be enjoying the celebrations on trophy day after the 6-0 defeat of Motherwell along with his good friend Ange Postecoglou.

The Japanese defender is likely to leave City this summer with his contract expiring next year meaning he will be on the move somewhere.

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