Ange Postecoglou faces a frustrating wait before pursuing defensive target Ko Itakura as he continues his home Olympics dream.
Record Sport first revealed Celtic’s interest in the Manchester City stopper back in June but the Hoops have had to bide their time.
And, according to the Sunday Post, Itakura has put all thoughts of his future on hold after playing his part in Japan’s march to the semi-finals of the Games in Tokyo.
Itakura netted his spot kick in a dramatic penalty shoot-out win over New Zealand following a goalless 120 minutes at the Kashima Stadium to set up a last four clash with Spain on Tuesday.
Postecoglou is desperate to strengthen his defence after watching his side slump to a second consecutive defat of the season when they went down 2-1 to Hearts at Tynecastle on Saturday.
Carl Starfelt came in for his debut but the Celtic boss is looking for more signings and has been forced to be patient.
Itakura has been capped five times for the Japan national team and moved to the Etihad from the J-League where he first came to Postecoglou’s attention when the Celtic gaffer was in charge of Yokohama F Marinos, who are part of the City Football Group.
City signed him from J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale in 2019 before they sent him to Holland.
He can play as a central defender or a defensive midfielder and would be a key addition to the Celtic squad if Postecoglou can secure the deal.
