Southampton are monitoring Celtic striker Daizen Maeda as Nathan Jones looks to bolster his attacking options in January.
Saints manager Jones said after Saturday’s FA Cup third-round win over Crystal Palace that he wanted to bring “three or four” new players to St Mary’s before it closes at the end of the month.
Japan international Maeda scored against Croatia in the last 16 of the World Cup in Qatar and returned to Celtic in fine form – scoring the opener in the 2-2 Old Firm draw at Ibrox last week.
The 25-year-old joined Scottish Premiership champions Yokohama on a permanent basis last summer and has scored 14 goals in 49 appearances.
A mistake by Alfredo Morelos gives Maeda his first goal at the Old Firm
Maeda impressed for Japan at the World Cup in Qatar
Southampton have had success in the past when buying from Celtic with Fraser Forster, Virgil van Dijk, Victor Wanyama and Stuart Armstrong set to become key players on the south coast.
Sky Sports News understands the club have also had a £15m bid for the Lorient striker rejected I’m going to Moffiand the French side value their player at around £25 million.
The Nigeria international has scored 10 league goals in 15 starts this season and has entered the final 18 months of his contract.
Earlier this week, Southampton concluded a contract with Croatian national team player Mislav Oršić
Southampton is also interested in the Dundee United youngster Rory MacLeod as one for the future and have sent a scout to Tannadice to watch the 16-year-old against Rangers on Sunday, live Sky Sports. Newcastle are also interested in the striker.
Southampton, who have already signed Croatian international Mislav Orsic, could be set for a busy transfer window as they try to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Jones’ side are currently bottom of the table after losing each of their first four Premier League matches.
Celtic offer £3m for striker Cho
Celtic have made an offer of around £3m for the South Korean forward Gue-Sung Cho.
The Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors player is also the subject of a similar bid from Bundesliga side Mainz, but they are believed to be unwilling to go much higher.
Ferencvaros have also been interested in the 24-year-old but have yet to submit a bid.
South Korean striker Gue-Sung Cho is wanted by Scottish Premiership champions Celtic
Sky Sports News revealed that Cho was a target for Celtic in December after he scored twice against Ghana at the World Cup in Qatar.
Celtic have recently been scouting around the world for talent, sending scouts to countries including South Korea, Iran and the UAE. A number of targets from the Middle East and Asia appear to have emerged.
The Hoops have already signed Yuki Kobayashi and Tomoki Iwata from the J League this window, as well as Canadian right-back Alistair Johnston from MLS side CF Montreal.
Follow the January transfer window with Sky Sports
Who will be on the move this winter? The January transfer window is open Sunday January 1, 2023 and closes in 23 hours on Tuesday, January 31, 2023.
Keep up to date with all the latest transfer news and rumors in our dedicated Transfer Center Blog on Sky Sports’ digital platforms. You can also follow the details and analysis Sky Sports News.