Journalist Pete O'Rourke has provided an update on Celtic's reported interest in Jeonbuk striker, Cho Gue-sung...

What's the word?

Reports emerged at the end of November that the Old Firm outfit had joined the race for the South Korea international, with the 25-year-old subsequently outlining his desire to make the move to Europe in the current window.

Further reports then emerged earlier this month that the Parkhead giants were in talks regarding a move to bring the 6 foot 2 marksman to Glasgow for a fee of around £3m, albeit with no progress having been made since then.

With the Scottish champions having subsequently snapped up Suwon Bluewings starlet Oh Hyeon-gyu to help bolster the forward line, it does appear that a move for his compatriot before the end of the window is now unlikely, although O'Rourke has told Football FanCast that a summer switch cannot be ruled out.

Asked if the signing of his international colleague could end the Hoops' interest in Cho, the transfer insider stated: "Yeah, I think it probably ends Celtic's interest in Cho for now. I think maybe in the summer they might be interested in him as well."

'Sensation'

With Giorgos Giakoumakis seemingly on his way out of Celtic Park at present, it is arguably not of the question that Ange Postecoglou would look to sign another striker come the summer, with the title-winning coach unlikely to want to leave himself short in the attacking ranks.

Turning to Cho could well prove a particularly astute move as far as the Bhoys are concerned, with the 20-cap menace having illustrated his quality at the World Cup at the end of last year, netting twice in the group-stage defeat to Ghana.

That lethal double - which took his total tally for his country to six goals - showcased both the striker's physicality and finishing prowess, as he twice rose highest to header home in what was an enthralling 3-2 thriller with the African nation.

Such an impact has played its part in the one-time Gimcheon Sangmu loanee becoming something of an "internet sensation" in his homeland, as per The Athletic's Daniel Taylor, having subsequently received a barrage of marriage proposals during the tournament.

It is the exciting forward's barrage of goals that will be of particular interest to Postecoglou, however, with Cho having scored 16 goals in just 45 games for his current side, after previously netting 21 goals in 51 outings during his stint at Gimcheon.

The manner in which the one-time FC Anyang man has netted those goals has also caught the eye, with journalist Jason Lee lauding the "incredible" asset as somebody who plays with a "little bit of swagger."

Therefore, as O'Rourke alluded to, it would be no surprise if Celtic's apparent interest continues ahead of next season.