Daizen Maeda could join Premier League club in January, he ‘wants to quit Celtic’
Daizen Maeda has faced ongoing questions about his future at Celtic after he came close to leaving Parkhead during the summer transfer window.
The 28-year-old started as Martin O’Neill‘s side beat Kilmarnock 4-0 last time out, as the interim boss continues to put together a strong run of domestic form.
However, Maeda was slammed by Celtic fans despite his team’s impressive performance, with many asking questions about his desire to stay at the club.
Maeda admitted he wanted to leave Celtic in the summer transfer window, but after a late exit fell through, he has failed to live up to expectations in Glasgow.
Speculation is now emerging again ahead of the January transfer window, although Football Insider revealed in September that Celtic hope to keep Maeda.
Daizen Maeda eyeing Celtic exit in January
Football Insider revealed on 3 October that Maeda is interested in joining the Premier League, where a number of clubs have been keeping tabs on him.
The wide forward remains interested in a move away from Celtic during the January transfer window, placing those interested clubs on red alert.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that all parties could now be open to the Japan international’s exit.
“Maeda was looking to leave Celtic during the summer,” he told Football Insider.
“He’s admitted he wanted to leave, and now he’s not performing for Celtic, so it looks like his head has been turned and he’ll be looking to move on.
“Given he hasn’t been particularly impressive for Celtic, whether that’s because he wants to leave and his head isn’t with it or whatever, I don’t think they’ll be too desperate to keep him.
“They need players who are going to give them 100 per cent every week, and he isn’t doing that.
“There was Premier League interest in the summer, so those clubs will now be on alert and keeping an eye to see whether he does become available.
“So maybe it’s something that will work for everybody, he’ll get his move, whoever is interested will get the player, and Celtic will make some money.
“If he wants to leave and he’s made that clear, there’s no reason they should look to keep him, especially if he isn’t doing his job for the team.”
This comes after Football Insider revealed that Maeda is now pushing to leave Celtic in January after failing to secure a deal before the transfer deadline.
Everton and Tottenham plotting moves for Maeda
Football Insider revealed last month that Everton are interested in signing Maeda if he becomes available during the January transfer window.
David Moyes is not content to stop adding to his squad and building on their progress so far, with plans being put in place for the January transfer window.
Everton are tracking three new strikers to add to their squad amid concerns about the performances of Beto and Thierno Barry in the season’s early stages.
Meanwhile, Football Insider revealed in July that Tottenham are keeping tabs on Maeda’s situation, and could be tempted to make a move.
Thomas Frank’s side have lacked regular goalscorers going forward, and are keen to strengthen in attack when the mid-season window opens.
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