Daizen Maeda has been a talking point this summer. Will he sign a new deal? Will his head be turned?

Now, Keith Jackson has hinted that Daizen Maeda could be eyeing a move away from Celtic this summer, despite having two years left on his current deal.

Brendan Rodgers had been expected to open talks over a contract extension at the end of last season, but with the new campaign now underway, no progress has been made.

Heading into pre-season, Brendan Rodgers admitted that there was no breakthrough in talks. He said: “I don’t think there have been any developments on that, but he’s a professional and his focus is very much on here.”

Maeda has made a quiet start to the term, which may be down to adjusting to Kieran Tierney operating behind him at left-back, but his numbers from last season – 33 goals and 12 assists – ensure he remains a player in demand.

Premier League side Brentford have been consistently linked with the Japan international and could soon be in the market for attacking reinforcements if Yoane Wissa departs. That scenario could pave the way for a formal approach.

Speaking on the Record Sport Hotline, Jackson said: “What do they do in this situation? If Daizen Maeda is saying I want to leave, and there are strong suggestions that is part of the conversation, he’s got two years left, but Celtic can’t even think about letting this deal happen. But the business model says they have to do it.”

Celtic’s decision may ultimately hinge on whether they can secure a replacement in the final weeks of the window, with Maeda’s pace and work rate integral to Rodgers’ attacking setup.