CELTIC are lining up a sensational swoop for another rising Japanese star, according to a report.
Brendan Rodgers already has Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate in his squad but there used to be a Japanese quintet at Parkhead, with Kyogo Furuhashi, Tomoki Iwata and Yuki Kobayashi all leaving in recent months.
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But the Hoops boss could add another to his ranks as he’s reportedly chasing a talented left-back.
The left-back position is a concern for Rodgers in this upcoming transfer window despite the return of fan favourite Kieran Tierney.
Greg Taylor is out of contract and Jeffrey Schlupp is set to leave the club following the end of his loan spell.
But reports from Japan suggest Celtic have already got another replacement lined up.
Sponichi claim the Scottish champions are interested in signing Djurgarden wonderkid Keita Kosugi.
Kosugi, 19, moved to Europe just days after his 18th birthday following a successful trial with the Swedish outfit and he has impressed in the first team since.
The teenager has played 29 games already this season – 11 of which came in the Europa Conference League.
Djurgarden reached the semi-final of the competition before they were knocked out by Chelsea, with Kosugi playing in both legs.
He showcased his versatility against the Premier League club as he was deployed at left-back on the first leg and on the right side for the return fixture.
He also scored against Vikingur and Rapid Vienna earlier in the campaign.
The report states that while Celtic are interested, they could face a ‘fierce battle’ for the highly-rated defender’s signature.
It’s stated Atalanta and PSG are both interested in Kosugi as well.
And it’s suggested the Champions League finalists are the favourites to sign him in the coming months.
Meanwhile, Celtic are braced for big money offers for star man Daizen Maeda – with Jose Mourinho eyeing a summer swoop.
Rodgers fears losing the Japanese attacker after his stunning season.
And confirmed reports in Turkey have revealed the Fenerbahce boss has targeted Maeda, 27, after his 33-goal haul.
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