Aston Villa have reportedly identified a Celtic attacker as a potential summer transfer target.
The West Midlands outfit are currently focused on trying to achieve a top-five place in the Premier League table, their next outing coming at home to Fulham on Saturday afternoon.
However, with ongoing concerns regarding how the club may negotiate the division's Profit and Sustainability Rules, there is potential for Unai Emery and Monchi to endure a busy period in the transfer market.
There is also uncertainty over the make-up of their attack for 2025-26, Ollie Watkins having recently been linked with an exit and it unclear whether Marcus Rashford will turn his loan deal into a permanent stay.
According to TBR Football, Villa are scouring the market for possible alternatives and have watched a Celtic forward.
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Maeda on Villa radar
The report suggests that Villa are contemplating whether to make an approach for Daizen Maeda once the market reopens in June.
Maeda has already cemented himself as one of Celtic's most valuable attackers in recent memory with 62 goals and 27 assists coming from 154 appearances in all competitions.
An incredible 33 goals have been netted during what is Maeda's fourth campaign in Glasgow and there are understandably question marks as to whether he is open to a new challenge.
As it stands, there are just over two years remaining on the Japan international's contract, Celtic likely to instigate negotiations sooner rather than later to protect their position.
Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to have sent scouts to assess the capabilities of a player who can play on the left flank and down the centre.
Fulham, Brentford, Crystal Palace, West Ham United and Leeds are suggested as alternative destinations should a big Premier League club not make a move.
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Where would Maeda fit at Villa?
With at least one of Watkins and Rashford realistically likely to be at Villa Park next season, Maeda would only be viewed as backup for a centre-forward role.
That said, there would be scope for regular appearances on the left flank, which would allow Morgan Rogers to focus on the number 10 role if he were to stay put.
Much may depend on any valuation set by Celtic and it has been alleged that the Scottish champions would consider selling if a £25m deal was proposed.
Darren Plant
