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.