Daizen Maeda has hinted he could yet stay at Celtic beyond this summer.
The Parkhead forward has a contract until 2028 but was believed to be keen on a move elsewhere, having stated hs ambition to try his luck in England at some point.
He had been close to a move to Bundesliga side Wolfsburg last summer before it fell apart and that appeared to have an effect on him as he started last season poorly, having been the Premiership's player of the year the campaign before.
Maeda did return to form towards the end of the season to help his team to a league title and Scottish Cup double.
And there could well be interest in him again during the transfer window.
However, he has appeared to hint that he may be happy to stay put.
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As he prepared to face Sweden at the World Cup, he was asked what he had learned at Celtic.
He answered: "That, if you do your best, the supporters will feel it, and they'll want to root for you.
"So I want to continue doing my best in Scotland."
Maeda was then informed a member of Scotland's backroom team had told the BBC to to tell the 28-year-old that she loves him.
And he said: "Getting people to love and accept you, not just in Japan but in foreign countries like Scotland too, is not easy.
"So it makes me so happy that your friend said that."
