Paul Dickov has poured cold water on speculation linking Kyogo Furuhashi with a return to Celtic Park this summer, just months after the striker’s £10 million move to Rennes in January.

Despite a quick-fire departure from Celtic, rumours have persisted that the Japanese forward could be lined up for a cut-price return — potentially for as little as a quarter of the fee Hoops received.

Celtic have already seen Jota return in January, and Kieran Tierney is set to rejoin the Hoops in the coming transfer window after a turbulent spell away. However, Dickov is sceptical about whether a third reunion would be on the cards.

He said: (10bet), “I don’t think they can bring back too many players. They’ve already done it this season.

“They’re bringing Tierney back as we mentioned. Kyogo, I’m slightly surprised that Celtic sold him at the time when they did. But would he come back? I don’t know.

“It’s difficult for that to happen. They’ve already had a couple of players doing that already.

“If you have another one to come and do it, I would say it would be very unlikely.”

Kyogo’s return would be one that divides opinion, given everything he achieved in three and a half seasons, including 85 goals in 165 games. However, his form in recent months at Rennes and the fact he is now 30 may go against him. That said, if it’s a largely cut-price deal, it could be highly attractive to Celtic and Brendan Rodgers.

The Japanese forward was seemingly pushing for a move away in the first six months of the season behind the scenes, making a return just six months later seem even more unlikely.

For now, the Celtic focus remains on strengthening the squad ahead of the new season, but it appears Kyogo’s name can be crossed off the list of realistic targets — at least according to Dickov.