Celtic's pursuit of Ko Itakura has been handed a boost after his Olympics dream came to an end.
Record Sport first revealed Celtic’s interest in the Manchester City stopper back in June but they have faced a lengthy waiting game for a deal.
Itakura has put all thoughts of his future on hold after playing his part in Japan’s charge to the semi-final.
However, the hope of a gold medal was brought to a heartbreaking conclusion as Spain secured a narrow 1-0 win in extra-time.
Itakura has been a mainstay of the side in Tokyo and could yet feature in the bronze medal play-off against Mexico but some senior stars could be handed a rest.
The City defender is amongst a number of centre-half loans that Ange Postecoglou is keen on, as is Tottenham Hotspur’s American central defender Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Top European clubs who are keen to take him after his recent loan success at Groningen and City may demand a hefty loan fee the 24-year-old.
So far this summer Carl Starfelt has been the only addition to the Celtic backline at Parkhead, with defensive mainstay Kristoffer Ajer heading for the exit door.
