Celtic are back in the frame to sign defender Ko Itakura this summer, says Sky Sports journalist Anthony Joseph.

According to Joseph, the Scottish Premiership champions wanted to recruit the 25-year-old last year and will try again in this transfer window.

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What is the latest news involving Itakura?

German outlet Kicker (via the Daily Record) recently reported that Hoffenheim are ready to make a move for Itakura after the Manchester City player's loan spell at Schalke last season.

The Japanese centre-back, who is out of contract next year, is thought to have plenty of options and is said to be weighing them up.

In the 2021/22 campaign, Itakura made 31 appearances in the German second division and scored four goals, helping Schalke to win promotion back to the Bundesliga.

And it seems his performances did not go unnoticed given the interest from Hoffenheim, who will be looking to build on their ninth-placed finish.

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What has Joseph said about Itakura and Celtic?

Joseph has told GIVEMESPORT that Celtic have been following Itakura for a while and could try to sign him on loan with an option to buy this summer.

Speaking to GMS, the Sky Sports journalist said: "Itakura is someone they've been tracking for quite some time and they wanted him in last season, actually, but he chose to go on loan to Schalke, and Celtic are back in the frame for him because Schalke weren't able to pay the €6m option to buy. Celtic might look to do a loan with an option to buy there."

Should Celtic sign Itakura?

Celtic have managed to bring Cameron Carter-Vickers to Parkhead permanently, but it looks like manager Ange Postecoglou wants another centre-half, and Itakura does not appear to be a bad option to consider following that successful spell with Schalke.

The 11-cap Japan international can also play as a defensive midfielder, while it was not too long ago when the manager of his national team was praising him for locking down Neymar in a friendly against Brazil.

"Itakura did a good job of holding his own in a situation where a lapse in judgment could have resulted in another goal," Samurai Blue boss Hajime Moriyasu said (via Football Scotland) when discussing Itakura's showdown with Neymar.

"His contribution was a big part of the reason why the team was able to fight without collapsing.”

With the chance to potentially stay in Germany and play in the Bundesliga with Hoffenheim, though, Celtic may have a little bit of convincing to do if they want to sign Itakura this summer.