Celtic interested in securing Yuki Sugawara from Southampton

Celtic has expressed interest in Japanese international defender Yuki Sugawara, who is currently with Southampton but spent last season on loan at Werder Bremen. The Bundesliga club is reportedly also keen on making his loan permanent. Southampton has set a €7 million asking price for Sugawara, who has 25 caps for Japan and played in the recent World Cup. With Alistair Johnston sidelined until November, Celtic's need for a right-back could make Sugawara an attractive target. Celtic manager Martin O’Neill praised recent performances by Colby Donovan but may consider Sugawara based on Johnston's injury evaluation.

• 12:05 PMYahoo Sports — Celtic keen on Japanese defender Yuki Sugawara