CELTIC are reportedly monitoring Manchester City duo Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Ko Itakura.

Sky Sports say that Ange Postecoglou's scouting team have been keeping a close eye on the defenders.

Permanent deals for Cameron Carter-Vickers and Jota are said to be close, as last season's loanees look to commit their future to the Scottish champions. 

And this report states that they could soon be joined by Harwood-Bellis and Itakura.

Both players traditionally ply their trade at centre-back, although the latter is capable of moving into a defensive midfield position too.

Itakura spent the most recent campaign on loan with Schalke - who have an option to buy the 25-year-old Japanese star. 

However, it is believed that they are reluctant to fork out City's asking price of £6million.

Itakura has been on loan at Schalke in Germany during the season just completed.

The Bundesliga have an option to buy the Japan international.

Harwood-Bellis, 20, has experience of first-team football at Blackburn, Stoke and Anderlecht.