Fresh from beating Rangers in the Europa League final, Eintracht Frankfurt are set to rival Celtic in the race to sign Manchester City man Ko Itakura. Sky Germany say Frankfurt are doing all they can to sign the Japanese ace.
Itakura, 25, has spent the last 12 months on loan at German Bundesliga side Schalke. He helped his side gain promotion as champions this season – a permanent clause is included in his loan. That is worth £4.7million.
But Sky claim that Schalke may not end up signing the Manchester City defender. Indeed, Europa League winners Frankfurt want to sign him – as they look to bolster their side ahead of a Champions League campaign.
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They will rival Celtic in pursuit of the Japanese star. Manchester Evening News report that the Hoops are keen, as Ange Postecoglou looks to add to his four-strong Japan contingent. Schalke are struggling to pay the fee.
Reo Hatate, Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda have all impressed since joining – while Yosuke Ideguchi is yet to get a proper chance. But Itakura may be tempted, given how many of his countryman are at Celtic.
Frankfurt rival Celtic in Itakura race: Less than £5m a bargain
Celtic do have options at centre-back, but they could be about to reduce. Cameron Carter-Vickers is expected to join permanently, but nothing has been done. Chris Jullien is being linked with a return to French football.
Stephen Welsh has had interest from Italy, too. So, while they currently have four solid options – that could easily be reduced to just the one. Itakura’s speed makes him ideal for Celtic’s high line. £4.7m is cheap.
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