It should not come as a surprise to Celtic fans if Kyogo Furuhashi attracts a host of suitors ahead of the transfer window reopening in January, according to journalist Stuart Hodge.
Furuhashi only joined Celtic from Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe in July and penned a four-year contract.
What's the latest news involving Furuhashi?
Upon completing his biggest signing of the window, Celtic manager Ange Postecoglou claimed Furuhashi would "add something special" to his squad and excite Hoops fans.
Furuhashi has clearly done that and quickly gave Celtic supporters a taste of what was to come by netting a hat-trick in just his second Scottish Premiership appearance, a 6-0 victory over Dundee less than a month after his arrival.
The 26-year-old has always been a threat in front of goal and left Vissel Kobe in favour of a switch to Parkhead while he was the Japanese top flight's leading goalscorer for the season.
Furuhashi's productive transfer to Scotland has allowed him to move close to 80 club goals throughout his career.
His form has resulted in Italian media outlet Calciomercato claiming Premier League outfit Southampton have set their sights on luring Furuhashi away from Celtic.
What has Stuart Hodge said about the Furuhashi links?
Hodge believes Furuhashi's quick adaptation to Scottish Premiership football will have alerted a host of clubs.
The journalist feels Furuhashi's age will also heighten interest from Premier League outfits.
When asked whether Premier League interest should come as a surprise, Hodge told GIVEMESPORT: "Absolutely not. Look at his productivity since he came to Scotland.
The Football Terrace: Terry EXPLODES after Man United make Ole Gunnar Solskjaer decision!
"The age he is as well is a good age. Japanese players tend to mature a bit later in their careers.
"Normally you would say, for a Premier League player, by the time they hit 23 you've got a good idea of the level of player they're going to be.
"In Japan it can sometimes happen a bit later because of various things."
Would Furuhashi's departure come as a blow?
Celtic supporters have already made their feelings clear over the links to Southampton, with many taking to social media to confirm they hope a move is not completed.
The Hoops missed Furuhashi's creativity in the final third when a knee injury ruled him out of action in September.
Furuhashi's setback resulted in him being forced to miss five fixtures and Celtic were only able to register two wins in his absence.
He has also shown his capabilities at international level, with him scoring three goals in 10 Japan outings.
Read More - January Transfer Window 2022: When does it open, when does it close and which players are going to move?