Celtic are attempting to reach an agreement on a lucrative new contract with Daizen Maeda, despite increased interest from a number of Premier League clubs.
On the latest episode of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior writer Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have said about the 27-year-old’s future in Glasgow, amid ongoing speculation over a move away.
The Japan international is thought to be quite happy at Parkhead and is eager to sign a new contract if he believes the club fits his goals.
This comes after Football Insider reported on July 4 that Tottenham are interested in signing Maeda but would have to pay £25 million to get him away from Celtic.
Brendan Rodgers sees the attacker as an important element of his future ambitions, and he wants to build a club around him that can contend both domestically and in Europe.
As a result, on July 15, Football Insider reported that Celtic had initiated talks with Maeda and were stepping up their efforts to sign him.
Celtic are trying to reach an agreement on Maeda’s contract following Rodgers’ decision
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider on June 6 that Rodgers intends to keep Maeda at Parkhead this summer.
The attacker had his greatest season in a Celtic shirt last season, scoring 16 goals and giving 10 assists in 34 SPFL games while winning Player of the Season.
O’Rourke stated that talks with the forward are currently beginning, and progress is being made toward a deal despite his Premier League suitors.
“It makes a lot of sense for Celtic to try and keep hold of Maeda,” he said. “If Celtic wish to maintain their dominance in Scotland, they will need to keep their finest players, and Maeda is undoubtedly one of them.
“He’s under contract until 2027, so they’re hoping to extend it and give him generous new terms just to keep the player happy and ward off interest from Premier League clubs. “It was said that Brentford and Tottenham were interested in him.
“The Japan international was their top striker last season, so he won’t be simple to replace if they lose him.
“I believe the player is pleased at Celtic, and if they compete in the Champions League and win silverware, he will be happy to extend his contract.
“Celtic are looking to build their team around Maeda and won’t want to lose their number-one forward right now.”
Tyrell Malacia news emerges amid the Man United leaving revelation
While Rodgers is determined to keep his finest players at the club this summer, he is also looking to expand his options by being aggressive on the transfer market.
On July 14, Football Insider reported that Celtic are interested in Manchester United’s Tyrell Malacia, but may only be able to finalize a trade if his wages are subsidised.
As a result, a loan move appears to be the most likely outcome at the moment, though the left-back’s willingness to accept such a deal is uncertain.
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