Celtic target Daizen Maeda has spoken out over links of a move to Parkhead in January, The Glasgow Evening Times report.

The Lowdown: Hoops closing in

Reports last week from The Times suggested that the Hoops are confident of securing a deal for the 24-year-old in the New Year.

Sources in Japan expect a transfer for the Yokohama F Marinos forward to go through, with Maeda capable of playing on the wing or through the middle.

He netted 18 goals in 31 appearances last season, and it appears as if he could reunite with Ange Postecoglou over the coming months.

The Latest: Maeda speaks out

Maeda, who has been clocked as the quickest player in Japan, was asked about interest from Scotland, to which he said:

"I know about the reports, but my job is just to concentrate on playing and hopefully scoring goals for Yokohama.

"I am trying not to think too much about the speculation.

"I always think I can score goals in any match and that's all I am thinking about at the moment. I am trying to get into the Japan team for the World Cup qualifiers too. Of course, if I keep scoring goals then good things will happen."

The Verdict: Kyogo 2.0

Celtic’s most expensive summer signing, Kyogo Furuhashi, has been on fire in green and white this season, netting nine times in 14 games.

The pair can both play centrally or out wide, so hopefully, the Hoops will be getting themselves another Furuhashi.

Interim CEO Michael Nicholson may well be the man pushing for a transfer to be finalised ahead of the winter window, and you’d expect Postecoglou has given the green light, so fingers crossed it goes through without any hitches.

In other news: Frank McAvennie questions effort levels of 5 G/A Celtic ace who 'goes missing'.