Journalist Pete O'Rourke has delivered his verdict on Celtic's reported interest in Jeonbuk striker, Cho Gue-sung...

What's the word?

Reports at the end of November revealed that the Parkhead outfit had joined the race for the South Korea international following his World Cup exploits, with the player himself then outlining his desire to move to Europe.

More recent speculation had suggested that the Old Firm giants had lodged a bid of around £3m for the 6 foot 2 menace, albeit with little progress having been made since then amid suggestions that the deal has stalled.

According to O'Rourke - in an interview for Football FanCast - a move for the exciting marksman could well be revisited this summer in a bid to enhance the Glasgow side's Champions League campaign.

The transfer insider stated: "If they can agree a deal for the summer I'm sure it's something Celtic will look at because they will be looking to strengthen their squad again for what they hope will be another tilt at the Champions League."

'Incredible'

While the Hoops do appear to be closing in on the signing of Cho's compatriot, Oh Hyeon-gyu in the current window, that's not to suggest that a move for the Jeonbuk talisman could not still occur at the end of the season, particularly if Giorgos Giakoumakis is allowed to depart any time soon.

The former FC Anyang man came to wider attention as a result of his standout displays for his country in Qatar, notably scoring twice in the 3-2, group stage defeat to Ghana.

That clinical brace saw the imposing asset receive notable praise from the aforementioned O'Rourke for his ability to prove a real focal point in attack, with the respected source stating:

“He’s a physical player as well, he can score goals from aerial areas, and I think he’s definitely proven to be a real handful for defenders.“

Such eye-catching form at international level - which has ensured he now has six goals in just 20 caps to date - has followed Cho's "incredible" hot streak for his club, as per journalist Jason Lee, with the centre-forward having netted 21 goals and laid on five assists in just 35 games in the most recent campaign.

That has ensured that his total tally now stands at 16 goals in 45 games for his current side, after previously scoring 21 times in 51 games while on loan at Gimcheon Sangmu in order to carry out his military service.

A player who clearly knows where the back of the net is, it is unsurprising that the "hard-working" asset - as lauded by Lee - has caught the attention of those at Paradise, with Glasgow rivals Rangers also said to be in the mix for his signature.

It would undoubtedly be a real source of delight for Celtic supporters and for Postecoglou if the Scottish champions can edge Micheal Beale's side in the battle to land the in-form sensation.