Celtic are now said to be showing an interest in a Championship defender, but something doesn't add up. Southampton right-back Yukinari Sugawara is being linked with a move to Parkhead, but he plays on the wrong side.
According to German outlet Absolut Fussbal, Celtic hold 'concrete interest' in the Southampton star, with Werder Bremen also hoping to sign him. Werder had the defender on loan last season but they want the price reduced if they are to make the signing permanent.
Elsewhere, PSV Eindhoven are said to be chasing a deal for the 26-year-old who played in all four games for Japan at the World Cup.
Serious Celtic interest unlikely
Celtic have a rich history with Japanese players, but they do not need a right-back this summer. As things stand, the Bhoys have Alistair Johnston, Colby Donovan and Anthony Ralston as options on the right, and Donovan put in a good performance over the weekend, keeping Ralston out of the team.
On the left, it's a very different story, with Celtic only having one out-and-out left-back on the books in Kieran Tierney after Adam Montgomery left on loan to Livingston. Although Liam Scales can deputise there, as he did over the weekend.
But the Bhoys desperately need a left-back, and they still have to sign another midfielder and goalkeeper at a minimum before the window closes in September 3.
A right-back signing would be bizarre at this stage of the summer, and it's likely the Hoops will only activate any interest in a right-sided player if Johnston was to leave before the end of the window.
Everton have shown interest in Johnston this summer, but it seems as though interest has cooled. Celtic blocked a move until at least after the Champions League qualifiers, but in a twist of fate, the Canadian now has an injury that will keep him out of both games. The Toffees could circle back towards the end of the window, but they are supposedly around £5million short of the Bhoys' valuation in any case.
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