Overview
- Multiple outlets reported on Monday that newly promoted Ipswich Town have opened talks with Celtic and submitted a formal bid for forward Daizen Maeda.
- Maeda has publicly said he wants to play in the Premier League and has told Japanese media he would welcome a lower asking price to make a move easier.
- Celtic manager Martin O'Neill has said he would rather keep Maeda but will not block a sale if the club receives an acceptable offer.
- The 28-year-old is in the last year of his Celtic contract and his strong displays at the recent World Cup have raised his profile and market value, factors that shape Celtic's negotiating position.
- Ipswich are reported to be pushing to conclude a deal quickly and are also in talks over free agent Hidemasa Morita, signaling a targeted recruitment focus on Japanese players.