Celtic ‘target versatile rising Japanese star' for surprise summer transfer swoop
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CELTIC have made versatile Japanese rising star Hayato Inamura one of their new summer transfer targets, according to a report.
The 23-year-old currently plays for Albirex Niigata in the J. League and has two years remaining on his contract.
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Hayato Inamura (right) in action for Albirex Niigata
Credit: Getty
Inamura primarily operates as a centre-back but can also fill in at left-back - two positions Brendan Rodgers is keen to strengthen.
The Parkhead side made plenty of forays into the Asian market during Ange Postecoglou's reign as boss as the likes of Daizen Maeda, Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Yang Hyun-Jun.
And with the transfer window officially opening this morning, they could make a splash in that market again.
According to The Herald, the Hoops are working on a surprise move for Inamura.
Inamura was signed from Toyo University in July of last year and has been playing regularly for Niigata this season.
The Albi are locked in a relegation fight at the moment however, with Postecoglou's former club Yokoham F Marinos and their rivals Yokohama FC the three clubs in the drop zone.
Celtic do currently have several options at centre-back including American duo Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty, who have generally been first choice when fit.
But both players have had their injury problems and there may come a time when Celts decide to cash in on one of them while they still can.
Liam Scales has featured regularly in the centre of defence too and can also play at left-back if needed.
Stephen Welsh is due to return from a loan at Mechelen in Belgium where he has made 17 appearances.
The diggers move in as Celtic Park pitch is dug up
Gustaf Lagerbielke has also been on loan but it looks likely he will be sold this summer and there has been interest from Poland for Maik Nawrocki.
Kieran Tierney is now the only left-back with significant first team experience in the squad, with Greg Taylor set to depart and only youth graduates Adam Montgomery and Mitchel Frame behind him otherwise.
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