Cerezo Osaka’s negotiations with Ulsan Hyundai boss Yoon Jong-Hwan to become new manager is coming to the last phase, a club official admitted after a 2-1 win over Tokyo Verdy at Ajinomoto Stadium yesterday.

The South Korean manager, who was seen to arrive at Tokyo International Airport by a Twitter user on Friday, had conversations with the club yesterday and will also have negotiations today according to reports by Sports Hochi and Sports Nippon. But other report by Nikkan Sports says no (formal) negotiations are expected to take place this time and Cerezo are currently “waiting for his answer” which is likely to come within this month.

Yoon is currently taking charge of the fourth-placed club in the K League Classic, Ulsan Hyundai, which failed to confirm qualification for the AFC Champions League although they still have chance depending on the results of the Korean FA Cup Final. His contract with the club ends at the end of the season and there have been numerous reports and rumors about his future in both Japan and South Korea.

If the negotiations succeed, it will mean Cerezo’s wish finally come true as this is the second attempt for them to sign with Yoon. The former South Korean international used to play at Cerezo Osaka for 3 years (2000-02), and after moving back to South Korea in 2003, he also played at Sagan Tosu (2006-07) and spent more years as a technical adviser and a coach (2008-10) and a manager (2011-14) in the Saga Prefecture.

Source: Sports Hochi, Sports Nippon, Nikkan Sports