Gangwon FC chief executive Kim Byeong-ji has admitted the club have backtracked on their roadblock standing in the way of Yang Hyun-Jun's move to Celtic.
However, the deal may yet face a roadblock with both clubs and the player currently reviewing their position on the deal according to the K-League supremo. The transfer appeared on the brink of collapse with the struggling side refusing to allow the winger to leave until the January transfer window as they bid to survive the drop - leading to a heated response from the 21-year-old in the media.
The player had offered to give up his salary to boost the fee on offer for Gangwon as he accused the club of backtracking on a promise to allow him to move to a European outfit. But after fresh talks reports in Korea emerged claiming that there had been a sensational U-turn to green light a path to the Scottish Premiership champions.
Speaking to Korean media outlet Kado, he admitted the club had backed down on their hardline position over a potential exit for the winger after a "misunderstanding" with the player and his representatives. Despite the path to linking up with Brendan Rodgers clearing the chief hinted final fee that the club would receive had yet to be ironed out - and they were now back in talks with the Hoops.
Reports suggest that Celtic's original bid was in the same ballpark as the £2.5m paid for Hyeongyu Oh in January. The Gangwon representative said: "I still believe in the skill that Yang Hyun-Jun has.
"However, we have to consider the impact of the current situation on the club as well as on the player himself. This is a positive message."
Despite a more upbeat tone, Byeong-ji went on: "A contract is only possible when the details are negotiated. No one knows what will happen in the middle of the process. However, currently both clubs and players are reviewing it positively."
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