Celtic are set to bring in Yokohama F. Marinos forward Daizen Maeda in January, according to The Scottish Sun.

The Lowdown: Maeda profiled

Described as a ‘tireless worker’ by Kieran Devlin, the Japan international worked under Ange Postecoglou at Yokohama F. Marinos. In fact, the Hoops boss actually signed Maeda on loan in 2020, with the 24-year-old scoring 24 goals in 67 appearances for his current employers, with 21 of those coming in 33 J1 League games last season.

He still has over just two years remaining on his contract, but it seems as if a move to Celtic is now on the cards.

The Latest: Reunion with Ange expected

The Times first linked Maeda with a move to Parkhead towards the end of October, claiming that the Hoops were confident of sealing a winter move.

The Scottish Sun shared a story late on Tuesday evening, with comments from Postecoglou on links to another Japan international in Reo Hatate.

Within their report, they claimed that Maeda is expected to make the move to Scotland, with Postecoglou identifying other targets for which he wants the Hoops hierarchy to move before the transfer window opens in January.

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The Verdict: More firepower…

Maeda has just come off the back of his best-ever year in front of goal, so it’s an exciting time with a move seemingly edging closer.

The Hoops have struck gold by bringing in Kyogo Furuhashi, who has already scored 13 times in green and white; and like Furuhashi, Maeda can also play centrally or out wide.

A transfer in 2022 would give Postecoglou more firepower and versatility within his attacking ranks, and perhaps Maeda could prove to be a replacement for Albian Ajeti, with Celtic reportedly ready to cut their losses on the Swiss striker.

In other news: £9,000-a-week Celtic ace is 'about to leave' Parkhead, journalist claims