Celtic face a ‘fight’ to keep hold of star striker Kyogo Furuhashi when the transfer window reopens for business, journalist Dean Jones has told GiveMeSport.

The Hoops have been the dominant force in Scottish football over the last 18 months since manager Ange Postecoglou took the reins, and Furuhashi has been pivotal to their success.

Celtic news – Kyogo Furuhashi

Celtic claimed the Scottish Premiership title and League Cup crown last term, and their impressive performances have seen several of their stars linked with moves away.

According to Football Insider, Premier League outfit Crystal Palace are interested in prising Furuhashi away from Parkhead following the conclusion of the current campaign.

Palace are said to be keen on the Japan international due to the expected departure of Wilfried Zaha on a free transfer in the summer.

Furuhashi has registered 22 goals and four assists in 34 appearances for Celtic this season, helping them open up a healthy gap at the top of the Premiership standings.

The technically gifted ace still has two and a half years left to run on his contract with the Glasgow giants, meaning they will be in a strong position around the negotiating table should any bid arrive.

What has Jones said about Furuhashi?

Celtic have sold a host of top talents in recent years, including Kieran Tierney, Odsonne Edouard, and Jeremie Frimpong.

But Jones believes that the Glasgow giants will battle to retain the services of Furuhashi as he is a ‘great fit’ for what Postecoglou is trying to build at the club.

He said: “I don’t see anything but a fight to hold onto this player - you know when you are onto something good, and things just click, and he’s just a great fit for this side; he sets the balance perfectly.”

Who could step up if Kyogo is sold?

Celtic sold reliable backup striker Georgos Giakoumakis to MLS outfit Atlanta United in January after he was unable to agree terms on a new contract.

Postecoglou brought in Hyeon-Gyu Oh from Suwon Bluewings after splashing out £2.5 million to sign the South Korea international.

However, the 21-year-old has only found the back of the net once for Celtic in his opening five outings for the club, although four of those appearances have come from the substitute’s bench.

Oh may be forced to step up if Furuhashi moves onto pastures new in the summer, but Celtic are also likely to dip into the transfer market for additional firepower.