Celtic join Cho Gue-sung transfer chase after Korea Republic star’s World Cup double
CELTIC have joined the race to land South Korea World Cup sensation Cho Gue-sung.
The Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors striker grabbed a stunning headed double against Ghana on Monday.
SunSport understands Celtic are one of several European clubs keen to land the 24-year-old in January.
Cho is well known to Hoops boss Ange Postecoglou, having scored against his Yokohama F Marinos team in the Asian Champions League in February 2020.
The 6ft 2in striker went into the Qatar World Cup off the back of an impressive season in Korea.
He scored 21 goals in 35 games in all competitions for Jeonbuk and army team Gimcheon Sangmu.
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Cho had moved there on loan to complete his mandatory military service before returning to his parent club for the second half of the campaign.
He continued to hit the goal trail for Jeonbuk - and grabbed three in a two-legged Korean Cup final win over FC Seoul.
Cho now has six strikes in 18 caps for South Korea and is in line to start against Portugal on Friday after his Ghana exploits.
South Korea FA vice-president Lee Young-pyo yesterday confirmed there is major interest in him from Europe.
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Postecoglou is understood to be keen to sign a new striker in January as he looks to bolster his options.
Kyogo Furuhashi and Giorgos Giakoumakis currently battle for the No9 role but another forward is expected to arrive.
The Celtic boss has previously admitted he follows the Korean market closely, where Cho has been a standout.
They first crossed paths in 2020 when the rookie striker netted as Postecoglou's Yokohama won an Asian Champions League match 2-1.
The Celtic gaffer recently admitted he would be "looking" at the World Cup for potential signings.
He is already on verge of adding Canada right-back Alistair Johnston, with a deal for the CF Montreal right-back imminent.
Japanese defender Yuki Kobayashi is due to land in Scotland this week after completing his move from Vissel Kobe.
He is the FIFTH Japanese star to join since Postecoglou took over last June and the Australian's 24th signing as Parkhead boss.
And there could be more recruits to follow in January - with Cho now firmly on Celtic's radar.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page