Former Celtic striker Frank McAvennie has backed the Hoops to sell Daizen Maeda, claiming Ange Postecoglou will not stand in his way if a Premier League offer comes forward.
Earlier in January, FootballScotland reported that potential suitors were watching the Japanese player as the Hoops fired two past Kilmarnock last Saturday.
The winger has five goals and five assists for Ange Postecoglou’s side in the Scottish Premiership and two goals in the League Cup. Overall, Maeda has impressed during his time in Glasgow, picking up 15 goals and 10 assists in 50 appearances across all competitions for Celtic.
Speaking to Football Insider, McAvennie said he would ‘not be surprised’ if the player was to leave Celtic Park should a Premier League side come knocking, with Southampton among those showing interest.
He stated, “I think it is great that Premier League clubs are showing an interest in him.
“He is missing some chances, but you can’t argue with his talent. You can’t argue with his enthusiasm or his movement and work rate for the team. That all blends well for the Premier League because that is what they do.
“He works his socks off but he misses too many chances and then he scores absolute blinders. Southampton like players like that.
“I would not be surprised and there is no way Ange will stand in his way if it is the Premier League.
“I do not think there will be a problem but I do not think Ange will want to sell anyone, but if the price is right, then he is away.”
TIF Thoughts on McAvennie’s comments…
We believe that Celtic should do all they can to hold onto Maeda in the January transfer window as he would be a huge loss.
Furthermore, Postecoglou’s side could be set to lose another this month, as Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Celtic have ‘reached an agreement’ with Urawa Red Diamonds for striker Giorgos Giakoumakis.
This would mean that Celtic would have a frantic second half of January on their hands as they could potentially look to replace two different attacking players.
It could negatively impact the gap that Postecoglou’s side has built on their Glasgow rivals Rangers, with Celtic currently nine points ahead of Michael Beale’s side after 21 games played.
If Maeda is keen on a future move to the Premier League, the Bhoys will hope they can convince him to stay until the end of the season.