Celtic have reportedly made a move to sign South Korean midfielder Kwon Hyeok-kyu as Ange Postecoglou looks to unearth another transfer gem.
The Hoops are already two recruits up for the winter window as J-League star Yuki Kobayashi and Alistair Johnston have joined the Scottish champions but Postecoglou has shown in his time in Glasgow that recruitment rarely stands still with the latest name in the frame being 21-year-old Hyeok-kyu.
According to reports in his homeland, the youngster has been 'offered' a move to Celtic with the report also stating the Hoops would be willing to shelve out a decent fee for his services. Glasgow Live Sport decided to take a deep dive in to the transfer target to see what Hoops fans could expect.
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Stature and presence
Celtic already have a midfield brimming with talent, shown by the eclectic nature of the Parkhead engine room, with Postecoglou having on-form players for each position. In Callum McGregor, he has stability and leadership. With Reo Hatate and Matt O'Riley comes attacking intent and flair. And with double-scorer Aaron Mooy finding his feet, Postecoglou has a deep-lying midfielder who can venture forward.
But perhaps one thing lacking in the deep squad is a physical presence, a player of great stature who can easily win the aerial battles to help out the likes of Cameron Carter-Vickers and Carl Starfelt. Hyeok-kyu could be the solution as the Korean stands at an impressive 6ft 3 and is credited as having a strong 'physique' while also being able to keep up with 'high-tempo' play.
Oliver Abildgaard's seemed to fit the same profile when he arrived in the summer but has failed to make an impression, with this new link bringing the same type of player in to the fold. Hyeok-kyu could provide the extra stability needed to solidify Celtic in a midfield sense.
'Bright prospect'
Ange Postecoglou will be attracted to the fact the midfielder is considered to be one of South Korea's brightest prospects.
The Under 23-star is even touted as a 'masterpiece' of the Busan youth system by reports in his homeland, with the youngster even penning a semi-professional deal while still in high school. His ability to did not go unnoticed in the Korean youth system despite being part of a side who faced relegation.
Sports Chuson say: "Kwon Hyuk-gyu enlisted in the military right away, and his ability was recognized in Sangmu. He was active as a main player even in the midst of K-League star players. His main position, defensive midfielder, as well as central midfielder and even three-back, showed off his versatility enough to play in one spot."
It appears Hyeok-kyu is on the cusp of a big career move, and Postecoglou may have identified that as a chance to move on the star now.
Celtic have been watching and Hyeok-kyu is listening
According to reports Celtic have been keen on him for some time, with the Sports Chuson piece even stating 'several' offers have been made.
Whether or not there is any substance it does seem an extensive scouting mission has been done on the internationalist. Postecoglou was quick to bring his deep knowledge of Far East football to Glasgow shown by the obvious transfer hits of the likes of Kyogo, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda.
And one thing they all shared in common was a desire to test themselves on the European stage, something Hyuk-kyu is said to have 'dreamed' of. The acquisition of the highly-rated prospect could be a match made in heaven and could 'pave the way' for more Korean players to raise the profile of the game and make history.
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