Celtic offloading forward Daizen Maeda ‘seems almost unthinkable’ amid speculation over his future, journalist Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.

The 25-year-old has impressed since joining the Hoops on an initial loan deal from Yokohama F Marinos back in January 2021 and has reportedly caught the eye of Southampton.

Celtic transfer news – Daizen Maeda

Earlier this month, Sky Sports reported that the Saints are ‘monitoring’ Maeda as new manager Nathan Jones looks to bolster his attacking options.

The Japan international still has three and a half years left to run on his current £18,000-per-week contract at Parkhead, though, meaning Celtic are in a strong position around the negotiating table.

And the reigning Scottish Premiership champions will surely be eager to keep hold of Maeda this month given striker Giorgos Giakoumakis appears set to depart the club.

Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Urawa Red Diamonds have reached an agreement with Celtic for the transfer of the 28-year-old for around €4 million (£3.5m).

What has Jones said about Maeda?

Jones has told GMS that Maeda is ‘definitely a good player to be scouting’ from Southampton’s perspective but that his form for Celtic means it’s highly unlikely that they would be willing to sanction his sale.

Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know

He said: “He’s definitely a good player to be scouting and looking at, but Maeda has been so important to Celtic.

“And to be honest, it seems almost unthinkable that they would do any business like this. So, unless the player was to push for it, I don't see how it would really happen.”

How big a loss would Maeda be?

Maeda is a versatile attacker capable of playing on either flank as well as upfront and has been a reliable source of goals and assists over the last couple of years.

The 5 foot 8 ace has racked up 25 goal contributions in 50 appearances for Celtic across all competitions and has been in fine form throughout 2022/23.

In 28 outings for the Glasgow giants this season, Maeda has found the back of the net on seven occasions, setting up a further five strikes for his teammates.

Losing Maeda, who is valued at £5m by Transfermarkt, would be a bitter blow for manager Ange Postecoglou, therefore, and he will surely be desperate to retain his services until at least the end of the campaign.