Celtic ‘turning to’ alternative transfer target Oh Hyeon-gyu as January move for Cho Gue-sung stalls
CELTIC are turning their attention away from South Korean striker Cho Gue-Sung as they step up their chase to replace wantaway forward Giorgos Giakoumakis.
Ange Postecoglou is reportedly lining up an improved bid to lure fellow South Korean star Oh Hyeon-gyu to Parkhead instead.
It was revealed that Celtic were interested in the 21-year-old as the January transfer window approached last month after SunSport exclusively confirmed they had approached Gue-sung's team, Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors, over a potential move beforehand.
Gue-Song insisted that Europe is the ideal destination for him to further his career but admitted he may wait until the summer due to fears over his fitness.
He said: "The transfer market is not over yet. I cannot give a definite answer about whether I will still be at the club after this window.
"I'm not in peak shape in the winter because I haven't played since the World Cup. I know if I went and signed for a European club, I would have to compete with players who are in 100 per cent physical condition.
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"But on the other hand, if I wait until the summer, there not be the same interest in me from the clubs who want me now.
"So no decision has been made."
And now South Korean outlet Xports News claim the Hoops have "turned their focus" towards his international teammate Hyeon-gyu instead.
Hyeon-gyu scored 14 goals in 39 games for Suwon Samsung Bluewings last season.
That's despite not always operating as a central striker for the South Korean club, who finished tenth in the 12-team K League last year.
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Hyeon-gyu has just the one cap for his nation compared to Gue-sung, 24, who has 20 to his name and six goals.
According to JoongAng Ilbo in his homeland, Celtic offered around £1.7m for Hyeon-gyu's services earlier in the window.
So they will need to fork out a bit extra if they hope to land the 21-year-old this month.
Speaking on a potential move to Celtic, he said last month: "What was reported today is true. It is not common to receive an offer from Europe like this, and Celtic, a prestigious club, gave me a good offer.
"I think I have a big desire to take on this opportunity."
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