Scottish Premiership giants Celtic are reportedly closing in on a deal for Yokohama F. Marinosstar Daizen Maeda ahead of the winter transfer window at the start of the New Year. The Times revealed the interest of Celtic in Maeda. It was also stated that Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou is the architect of the transfer interest as he has adequate experience with Japanese football. Australian manager Postecoglou previously managed Yokohama F. Marinos in the J-league.

Postecoglou is the major driver of the interest and Japanese sources are certain that Celtic will sign Maeda in January. The Celtic boss has turned to the cheap Japanese market since he was appointed into the role in the summer. Postecoglou was the one driving the interest as Celtic signed KyogoFuruhashi from Vissel Kobe in the Japanese top flight in the summer and Maeda could follow him from former club, Yokohama F. Marinos.

Petite attacker Maeda is quick and versatile. To this effect, he has the qualities to take the Celtic attack to a new level.
Japan international KyogoFuruhashi has made a great start to his career at Celtic and Maeda is potentially a better attacker according tothe stats from the J-league.
Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou is gradually building a team that could wrestle the Scottish Premiership title from Rangers and the signing of Maeda from Yokohama F. Marinosin January could boost his bid to achieve it.
Rangers are the reigning Scottish Premiership champions after they saw off Celtic conveniently last season thereby ending their rivals' nine-year hold on the league title in the Scottish top flight. After a shaky start to the season, Celtic have picked up in league terms under Postecoglou in recent weeks. Celtic are now four points adrift of Rangers at the top of the table after ten games.