Sources: Celtic close in on Daizen Maeda deal after Tottenham reveal
Celtic are pushing to agree a bumper new contract with Daizen Maeda despite growing interest from a number of Premier League clubs.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, senior correspondent Pete O’Rourke revealed what sources have said about the 27-year-old’s future in Glasgow amid ongoing links with a move away.
The Japan international is believed to be very happy at Parkhead and is keen to put pen to paper on a new deal should he feel the club matches his ambitions.
This comes after Football Insider revealed on 4 July that Tottenham are interested in signing Maeda, but would have to pay £25million to prise him away from Celtic.
Brendan Rodgers views the forward as a key part of his plans for the future and is aiming to build the team around him to compete both domestically and in Europe.
As a result Football Insider revealed on 15 July that Celtic have opened talks with Maeda and are stepping up their efforts to tie him down.
Celtic pushing to agree Maeda contract after Rodgers decision
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson told Football Insider on 6 June that Rodgers is determined to keep Maeda at Parkhead this summer.
The forward had his best season in a Celtic shirt last time out, scoring 16 goals and providing 10 assists in 34 SPFL games as he won the Player of the Season award.
O’Rourke explained that talks are now underway with the forward and progress is being made towards an agreement despite his Premier League suitors.
“It makes a lot of sense for Celtic to try and keep hold of Maeda,” he told Football Insider.
“If Celtic want to continue their dominance in Scotland, they’re going to have to keep hold of their best players, and there’s no doubt Maeda is amongst those.
“He’s under contract until 2027, so they’re looking to extend that and give him bumper new terms just to keep the player happy and ward off interest from Premier League clubs.
“There was talk that Brentford and Tottenham were interested in him.
“The Japan international was their top goalscorer last season, so he isn’t going to be an easy player to replace if they do end up losing him.
“I think the player is happy at Celtic, especially if they’re competing in the Champions League and winning silverware, he’ll be happy to extend his contract.
“Celtic are looking to build their team around Maeda and won’t want to lose their number-one forward right now.”
Tyrell Malacia update emerges amid Man United exit reveal
While Rodgers is determined to keep his best players at the club this summer, he is also keen to bolster his options by being active in the transfer market.
Football Insider revealed on 14 July that Celtic are interested in Man United’s Tyrell Malacia, but may only be able to complete a deal if his wages are subsidised.
As a result, a loan move would be the most likely outcome as things stand, although there are doubts about whether the left-back would agree to such a deal.
This comes after Robinson told Football Insider that Malacia would be a “great” signing for Celtic, but they face competition from Eredivisie sides.
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