Sky Sports have weighed in on the latest rumours surrounding Celtic’s move for Yokohama F. Marinos striker Daizen Maeda.
*Celtic have now announced the triple signing of Maeda, Hatate and Ideguchi*
The Lowdown: Reports in Japan…
Celtic were first credited with an interest in Maeda back in October, with the Hoops confident of bringing the 24-year-old to Parkhead.
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Since then, Ange Postecoglou has been linked with moves for Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi and has reached agreements for both players.
Recent rumours from Japan have suggested that is now the same for Maeda, who netted 23 J League 1 goals in 2021 and is valued at £990,000 by Transfermarkt.
The Latest: Sky Sports post
Sky Sports took to Twitter to provide an update on the swoop for Maeda.
They backed the news from the player's homeland, claiming that ‘Celtic have reached an agreement in principle’ to sign the versatile forward on what will be an ‘initial loan deal’.
Sky Sports’ story adds that the Hoops will have the option to make a move permanent in the summer, however, they don’t say for how much.
The club's Japanese social media accounts have since added even more fuel to the fire with a promotion video implying a deal is close.
The Verdict: January business coming along nicely…
With agreements now seemingly reached for all three Japanese targets, Celtic may well have finalised all the groundwork on their winter window business and may now turn their attentions to making Jota and Cameron Carter-Vickers' loan moves permanent.
Postecoglou will be bolstering his midfield ranks with Hatate and Ideguchi, whereas Maeda will be able to provide an option in attack or out wide.
Hopefully, the trio will hit the ground running just like Kyogo Furuhashi did following his summer switch, and if they do, Celtic may have a real chance of pipping rivals Rangers to the Scottish Premiership title.
In other news: Parkhead source says Celtic will definitely look to sell 'stupid' ace who Ange 'doesn't like' in January.