Premier League clubs are keeping a close eye on Japanese centre-back Ko Itakura, with Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur showing significant interest. Scouts from Liverpool have been dispatched on several occasions to monitor the defender’s performances closely.
Tottenham, now managed by Ange Postecoglou, is also in the race for Itakura’s signature. Postecoglou, who previously wanted to bring Itakura to Celtic, is familiar with the player’s capabilities and appears keen to work with him at the North London club.
However, any potential suitors looking to activate Itakura’s release clause will have to wait, as it is not applicable during the January transfer window. Clubs interested in securing his services will have to negotiate directly with his current club or wait until the clause becomes valid again.