CELTIC target Daizen Maeda has revealed he is aware of speculation linking him with a switch to Scotland.
The Japanese striker is reportedly on Ange Postecoglou’s wish-list when the transfer window reopens in January.
The 22-year-old frontman, who has scored 18 goals in 27 starts this season, was originally signed for Yokohama F Marinos by the Greek-Australian gaffer.
Maeda, speaking in the Scottish Sun, said: “I know about the reports, but my job is just to concentrate on playing and, hopefully, scoring goals for Yokohama.
“I am trying not to think too much about the speculation.
SMILES BETTER…Daizen Maeda celebrates after another goal for Yokohama F Marinos.
“I always think I can score goals in any match and that’s all I am thinking about at the moment. I am trying to get into the Japan team for the World Cup qualifiers, too. Of course, if I keep scoring goals then good things will happen.”
Maeda has been clocked in the official J-League stats as the fastest player in Japan.
He added: “It’s nice to be told about my speed. I wasn’t aware of any records until the fans here pointed it out to me.
“The speed thing comes from when I was a kid. Actually, I can’t remember losing a race. I think I inherited my speed from my father. I wanted to be a sprinter at one stage.
“When I was a kid in Osaka, I ran around barefoot and climbed mountains without wearing shoes. I wonder if that is was the origins of my speed.”
The Hoops, of course, have already raided the Japanese market for Kyogo Furuhashi who has netted nine goals in 13 starts on his way to becoming an instant hit with the Parkhead fans.
Postecoglou has already stated his intention to bolster his squad in January and add to the 12 new Bhoys who arrived in the summer.
