Esteemed Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi was linked online with a move to reigning English Premier League champions Manchester City on Wednesday morning.

Discussed by Fabrizio Romano on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), the renowned transfer guru tipped his hat to Hugh Murray and The Athletic's Sam Lee for uncovering the link in the process.

According to Romano, City are keen to bring midfielder Ilkay Gundogan back to the club from Barcelona before solidifying plans thereafter – but one of Pep Guardialo's right-hand men could have a crucial part to play in this process: Juan Manuel Lillo.

Who is Juan Manuel Lillo? Read on for our rundown of Juanma Lillo: the Man City  man with a huge role in Kyogo transfer link. 

Who is Juanma Lillo?

Juan Manuel Lillo, otherwise known as Juanma Lillo, is a 58-year-old Spanish manager who is currently one of Pep Guardiola's assistants at Manchester City

What is Juanma Lillo's managerial background?

Beginning his career at now second tier side CD Mirandes in 1988, Lillo moved around multiple jobs in Spain including stints at some of their most historic clubs, such as Real Oviedo and Real Sociedad.

Following a brief stint in Columbia and being assistant manager of the Chilean national team, he joined Vissel Kobe of Japan in October 2018.

What is Juanma Lillo's link to Kyogo Furuhashi?

When Juanma Lillo joined Vissel Kobe, he linked up with then newly signed 23-year-old forward, Kyogo Furuhashi.

Under Lillo in his six months as manager, Kyogo made 13 appearances and scored five and assisted five which is a brilliant return and showed the quality we see now at Celtic.

When did Juanma Lillo join Manchester City?

Lillo then went on to join Manchester City as assistant manager to Pep Guardiola in 2020, who he has worked with for nearly 200 games.

Is Kyogo likely to move to Manchester City?

Celtic are unlikely to welcome interest for the Japanese striker who's played such an important role in the club's recent successes since signing at Parkhead in the summer of 2021.

From Manchester City's perspective, following the sale of Julian Alvarez to Atletico Madrid this summer for £82 million, the Etihad side have been in the market for a back up striker. The above reports have suggested that Kyogo is one of their top two targets, with a second player as yet unnamed.