Alex Jones 
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With Celtic in the market for a new centre-back, the Bhoys could be turning to familiar clubs following reports linking Celtic with Ko Itakura.
According to the Daily Record, as shared by Celtic fan account Everything Celtic (@aboutceltic) on Twitter, Ange Postecoglou’s side are eager to sign the 24-year-old Japan international.
Itakura is on the books of Premier League champions Manchester City, but spent all of last season on loan at Dutch Eredivisie side FC Groningen – the same club that produced Virgil van Dijk.
With 18 months’ experience in Dutch football, Itakura is out of contract at Manchester City next summer and looks available as a result.
The Japanese defender is reportedly ‘high’ on Postecoglou’s list of desired targets, with his former club Yokohama F. Marinos part of the City Football Group that also owns Yokohama’s Mancunian counterpart.
He has featured in every league minute for his club this season.
Itakura, who can also play as a holding midfielder, could join top target Mario Vuskovic in making a Parkhead switch.
The Daily Record adds that Celtic are ‘closing in’ on the young Croatian defender but Postecoglou is seeking further reinforcements to the Bhoys’ back line.
Other targets include Brighton goalkeeper Mat Ryan, Australian ex-Brighton midfielder Aaron Mooy, ex-Celtic youth player Aaron Hickey and George Baldock from recently relegated Premier League side Sheffield United.
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It should come as refreshing news that Vuskovic is not the only real target being lined up with serious consideration by Parkhead chiefs.
With multiple high-profile defensive exits likely, with Shane Duffy returning to Brighton and Kris Ajer keen to leave, cementing early deals is essential.
It shows strong initiative and forward planning from the likes of Postecoglou and Dom McKay, with time being of the essence as Celtic’s Champions League qualifier with FC Midtjylland nears.
