Daizen Maeda in action for Celtic
Daizen Maeda in action for Celtic
Everton may have just been further boosted in their hopes for a Daizen Maeda transfer.
The Toffees are looking to add reinforcements into their attacking set-up, and many forwards have been touted for a Hill Dickinson switch.
Maeda has previously made his intentions this summer clear. The Japan international wants a Premier League move.
However, while the player's wishes could make a transfer easier, much will also depend on the stance of his employer.
Martin O'Neill will not want to lose a key player for the Scottish champions, at least not without a suitable replacement.
But, O'Neill might have just stated that he has already picked up that player amid Everton's interest.
What has Martin O'Neill now said about Everton-target Daizen Maeda?
One of the biggest issues that a transfer can face is waiting for a selling club to find a replacement.
But that obstacle looks already removed from the equation.
As shared by Sky Sports News, O'Neill has seemingly hinted he has already secured a Maeda replacement when talking about new Celtic signing Camilo Duran
He stated: "We talked about Maeda being able to close players down. He might be the second Maeda in that aspect. He certainly has a willingness to do so."
"Once or twice it looked as if he was just going to break away and do some things during the course of the time that he was on. But overall I was very pleased with him. He wants to do well, he genuinely does."
That reveal could certainly open the door to more straighforward negotiations over a transfer for the 28-year-old.
But, the Toffees are not alone in the race with Nottingham Forest, Fulham and Brentford all keeping tabs.
The role Maeda could play in transforming Everton’s frontline
Maeda is capable of playing on both the left-wing and down the middle but last season he proved to be a difference maker at striker.
As Celtic entered into the Scottish Premiership's top-six split, they were third in the table.
However, thanks to Maeda's pressing and goalscoring, netting seven goals in five games from centre-forward, they brought the league title back to Celtic Park.
Currently, Everton do not have a striker known for such key pressing qualities. Beto and Thierno Barry are far from those profile of forwards.
So, the arrival of Maeda would undoubtedly be a transformational acquisition allowing Moyes to play more on the front-foot when looking to get the ball back.