Celtic are said to be open to losing one of their best players this summer. The Bhoys have had a slow window so far, yet to bring in any new faces, with the return of Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain the only new deal signed.
Martin O'Neill wanted a strong recruitment drive this summer, and while it may yet come, are yet to see it come to light. Mind you, it does look like Camilo Duran will be brought in from Qarabag in the near future.
While work on new signings continues, Celtic are also aware that a couple of their best players are likely to leave this summer, and Daizen Maeda is among them.
Maeda likely to seal Celtic exit
Celtic attacker Daizen Maeda is headed towards the Parkhead exit doors, now in the final year of his deal. According to Football Insider, the Japan international, who had a solid World Cup this summer, has been planning to leave the club for over a year.
If that is true, then hats off to the forward, who played a major role in firing the Bhoys to the title last season, scoring freely to take his overall tally to 41 goals in 128 Premiership appearances.
According to the report, O'Neill, who has previously described Maeda as 'magnificent', is willing to sanction an exit as the club look to ensure they get a profit this summer rather than risk losing the forward for another next summer.
Given how Maeda has performed, it seems only right that the club will facilitate a move in any case, with the forward likely to land a move to one of the top leagues this summer.
Celtic hoping for price tag raise
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, journalist Pete O'Rourke said: "Maeda is coming into the final year of his contract at Celtic, so this offers Celtic the last opportunity to cash in on him.
"He's had a good World Cup with Japan, obviously his pressing is we know a major strength of his as well and I'm sure there will be clubs ready to make offers for the Japan international as well.
"Martin O'Neill reluctantly would be willing to sanction a departure for him due to his contract situation.
"He will be hoping that his performances for Japan at the World Cup and his form for Celtic at the back end of the season will see his price tag rise.
"Then Celtic will hopefully be able to use that money to invest in their squad and find a replacement for him."
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