Ko Itakura: Celtic-linked transfer target could stay in Germany - with Rangers' conquerors

Eintracht Frankfurt have entered the race to sign Manchester City defender Ko Itakura, according to reports on the continent, which could scupper any hopes Celtic have of landing the Japanese internationalist.
Ko Itakura spent this season on loan at Schalke 04.Ko Itakura spent this season on loan at Schalke 04.
Ko Itakura spent this season on loan at Schalke 04.

The 25-year-old – who can play either as a centre-back or in defensive midfield – joined the current English Premier League champions in 2019 from Kawaski Frontale, but has since been farmed out on loan deals to Groningen in the Netherlands and Schalke 04 in Germany.

A first-team breakthrough at the Etihad Stadium appears unlikely and, with Postecoglou aware of Itakura’s abilities from his time in the J-League, he has been linked with a move to Celtic. The cinch Premiership title winners are understood to want reinforcements at centre-half.

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However, media in Germany are claiming that Bundesliga outfit Eintracht Frankfurt – who last week defeated Rangers in the Europa League final – are keen to sign him for their own Champions League campaign next term.