Recruitment Expert: Premier League club set sights on signing Celtic's Daizen Maeda

Daizen Maeda has emerged as a target for a number of Premier League clubs as he edges towards a move away from Celtic this summer.

The 28-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from Glasgow after confessing his desire to leave last summer, placing multiple clubs on alert.

However, he has remained a key player under Martin O’Neill this season and scored a spectacular bicycle kick during the 3-1 win against Rangers last time out.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Premier League clubs have been keeping a close eye on Maeda’s situation this season.

While it would be considered risky due to him being relatively unproven outside of Scotland, there is a growing chance he could move on in a busy summer for Celtic.

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Football Insider exclusively revealed in March that Celtic are planning to sell Maeda as they aim to cash in on the Japan international this summer.

This comes as negotiations over the offer of a new contract have failed to progress in the last year, and Hoops chiefs believe there is now no chance he will extend.

In what is set to be a busy summer for Celtic with the arrival of a new manager, the money on offer from Premier League clubs could come as a major boost.

“Premier League clubs are well aware of Maeda,” Brown told Football Insider.

“They all have scouts up in Scotland looking at their top performers, and he’s been one of the standouts for Celtic for a number of years now.

“So if he’s going to be available, there are a few who will be on alert over that, not just because of what he did against Rangers but before that as well.

“I think they have to be on their guard a bit with signing players from Scotland at the moment, because they won’t like me saying this, but the level has dropped.

“It used to be that you could get some top players from over there, but recently I’m not convinced, so I expect these Premier League sides aren’t either.

“Has Maeda shown enough this season and since he’s been at Celtic to suggest he can make a difference in the Premier League? That’s up to them to decide.

“But a few of them will have been looking at him and if the price is right, it could be tempting.”

As a result of his performances for Celtic over a number of years, clubs in England have been placed on alert by the possibility he could move on.

Football Insider revealed on 3 October that Maeda is interested in joining the Premier League, where a number of clubs have been keeping tabs on him.

Everton were linked with a move to sign the Japan international earlier in the season as David Moyes aims to bolster his attacking options amid current concerns.

Brentford were also believed to be among those keeping tabs on his situation, while Tottenham also set sights on Maeda during last summer’s window.

His versatility and attacking returns in Scotland have led to growing interest from down south, and while a move is not certain, he is still on the radar of multiple sides.