Ko Itakura, who spent last season in the German second division helping FC Schalke in their bid for promotion back to the German top-flight, joined Manchester City in 2019 from Kawasaki Frontale in his native Japan.
The 25 year-old predominantly plays at centre-back and made 31 appearances for Schalke during the 2021/22 campaign, as the Gelsenkirchen based side achieved promotion back to the Bundesliga - seeing off hostile competition from SV Werder Bremen, Hamburger and SV Darmstadt.
Itakura scored four goals as he clocked over 2,500 minutes for the German club last season, and as a result of the defenders impressive performances, Kicker claims that a fellow Bundesliga side are interested in signing the Japan international.
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The versatile player is reportedly being targeted by Hoffenheim, as they seek to replace defender Chris Richards - who has returned to German Champions Bayern Munich after a season-long loan.
Hoffenheim, who played Manchester City in the Group Stages of the UEFA Champions League back in 2018, had an underwhelming campaign in the Bundesliga, finishing 9th and failing to win any of their final five matches of the season.
Get German Football News relay Kicker’s report, and state that should the German club solidify their interest in Manchester City’s Itakura then they would likely be looking at a €6 million fee.
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The 25 year-old Japan international has one year remaining on his Manchester City contract, and the reported €6 million fee is said to be the same figure as the option to buy in his previous Schalke deal.
Manchester City reportedly paid around £1 million for Itakura, and are expected to make numerous academy-based sales again this summer, as they try to further strengthen their squad during the transfer window.
The reigning Premier League champions have already confirmed the signings of Erling Haaland and Julian Alvarez, and are now said to be targeting a left-back and defensive-midfielder - with Kalvin Phillips and Marc Cucurella having both been mooted.
Featured Image Credit: Aflo Co. Ltd. / AlamyTopics: Manchester City, Hoffenheim, Bundesliga, Premier League, Manchester City Transfer News & Rumours, Transfers, Football