Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi has reportedly emerged as a potential transfer target for Burnley.
The signing of the 28-year-old from Vissel Kobe in 2021 has proven to be a huge success, with the £4.6m man helping Celtic to a domestic treble with 34 goals throughout last season.
In total, the Japan international has contributed an outstanding 54 goals and 10 assists from his 83 appearances in all competitions, repaying the faith shown in him by Ange Postecoglou.
However, Celtic have since appointed Brendan Rodgers as their new manager with Postecoglou having moved to Premier League outfit Tottenham Hotspur.
While a rebuilding job will not necessarily take place this summer, changes are expected with Rodgers wanting to put together a squad capable of making a bigger impact in the Champions League.
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Celtic will be presented with the decision of whether they want to retain the services of Furuhashi with just two years left on his contract.
Although the likelihood is that Rodgers will push to keep the attacker at Celtic Park, much may depend on the size of offer made by any interested parties.
According to The Mirror, Burnley are considering whether to join the race for Furuhashi's signature over the coming weeks.
Despite cantering to the Championship title last season, Vincent Kompany is in the market for a centre-forward with Ashley Barnes - who started 22 of their 46 league games - having left on a free transfer.
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Thirty-four-year-old forward Jay Rodriguez is regarded as no more than a squad member, while Southampton are currently standing firm over Nathan Tella who netted 17 times on loan at Burnley during the most recent campaign.
The Saints, who are now in the second tier, have allegedly set an asking price of £18m for Tella, leaving Burnley in a position where they will consider alternatives.
Furuhashi is likely to be in a similar price bracket but it is plausible that Postecoglou will eventually push for a reunion at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Celtic are likely to insist on any deal being agreed as soon as possible, providing that they receive concrete interest in Furuhashi from the Premier League.
Darren Plant
