Man City fans react as Fulham and Bournemouth join Celtic in transfer battle for Ko Itakura

Manchester City fans have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relays a report that claims Fulham and Bournemouth are among a host of clubs to shown an interest in centre-back Ko Itakura.

Whilst the player is contracted to the Premier League champions, he hasn’t played for City, with his game time in recent years coming out on loan.

The latest temporary spell has been with Schalke in Germany, with Itakura starring as they won promotion back to the Bundesliga. However, with a £6m fee required to make the move a permanent one, it’s a deal they may not be able to afford.

That’s opened up the possibility for Itakura to go elsewhere, and Sky Sports reporter Lyall Thomas revealed that the newly-promoted Cottagers and Cherries are both keeping tabs on the Japanese international.

However, any transfer for either club won’t be straightforward, as the update also explains that German top-flight duo Hoffenheim and Freiburg are monitoring the defender.

As well as that, Itakura is also believed to be on the radar of Scottish champions Celtic, who will be able to offer Itakura Champions League football.

The report was shared on Twitter by City Xtra and it attracted plenty of attention from the club’s supporters.

“Who?.”
Credit: @sajo

“Is he good?.”
Credit: @masszru

“Haven’t heard about him til now tbh.”
Credit: @Gaubrisco

“Sell him on then.”
Credit: @rhysconnor231

“If we give him a go at Fulham or Bournemouth and turns out decent, he could be a good back up option at the back, providing he signs the extension.”
Credit: @prest_guy

“Hope he stays in Germany, he was a joy to watch here 🙏.”
Credit: @17woid

“Should be kept as backup to stones and Laporte, but oh well.”
Credit: @CityWatch