Daizen Maeda frontrunner revealed amid Everton 'enquiry' for Celtic star: ‘I expect him to go there…’

Brentford are currently leading the race to sign Celtic striker Daizen Maeda this summer. 

That is according to former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, who believes that the Bees are leading the charge despite his former club having lodged an enquiry.

Maeda is increasingly likely to leave Celtic this summer, with Everton, Brentford, Nottingham Forest and Fulham all linked with moves to sign him ahead of next season. 

Wyness has now revealed that he expects the West London outfit to get their move for the Japan international over the line, ahead of the rest of the chasing pack. 

He also suggested that a move to the Gtech Community Stadium would be a good fit for the 28-year-old, as strikers have generally had strong success there in recent years. 

Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa all flourished in Brentford colours before getting big moves elsewhere, and Maeda could yet become the next man to join that list. 

Keith Wyness: Brentford ‘way ahead’ in Daizen Maeda chase

Everton’s former chief Wyness – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – believes that Brentford are currently “way ahead” in the race for Maeda’s signature. 

The Scottish businessman feels that Keith Andrews’ side are currently the firm “favourite” to land the former Yokohama F. Marinos man. 

Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, he made it clear that the deal is currently Brentford’s to lose. 

“Yeah, think Brentford are the ones that are way ahead. I expect that one could get done,” Wyness said.

“Everton have certainly been enquiring, but I think Brentford are by far the favourite. I'd expect him to go there. I think that's also going to be a good move for him.

“We've seen Brentford have a lot of success over the years bringing forwards through, and that’s where I expect him to end up. 

“If issues arise then then there's other options, but I think that's where I'd expect him down there at the Gtech.”

Celtic won’t stand in the way of Maeda deal

Football Insider revealed last week that Celtic are willing to sell Maeda this summer, despite him netting 17 goals last season, as he is now into the final year of his contract at Parkhead. 

Martin O'Neill has already accepted the fact that the frontman will not be part of his group for next term, and the club are ready to cash in when the right chance arises. 

Maeda has been planning to leave the Glasgow giants for over a year now, and made his desire to test himself at a higher level clear again after Japan were knocked out of the World Cup. 

Premier League teams have been queueing up to hand him that opportunity in recent weeks, but it is Brentford who are currently in pole position.