Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors boss Kim Sang-shik has given the clearest indication yet that Celtic target Cho Gue-Sung will leave his club imminently and admits it will break his heart to see him go.
The Hoops lead the race to sign the South Korean World Cup star ahead of MLS side Minnesota United and Bundesliga outfit Mainz.
And his club manager has broken his silence on the future of Kim, ahead of their return to training before a series of friendlies arranged before the start of the K League next month and revealed the bidding war has started.
Kim said: "Sadly, I don't think it will be too long before Cho leaves us.
"As a manager, I want my best players for the new season and I need them to help us challenge for the league.
"Cho is receiving a lot of attention for his good performance in the World Cup and it is true that another club has actually made an official offer to sign him.
"We are considering it carefully because it depends on the player's hopes for the future and his career path.
"Allowing a good player to leave is a bit difficult. I don't want to let them go. I will be very sad.
"When he scored those two goals at the World Cup I was delighted for him, but also worried because I knew exactly what would happen.
"I was well aware it wouldn't be long until we received bids.
"And there is certainly a possibility that he will leave in the winter transfer market right away."
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