Celtic caretaker manager Martin O’Neill says it is “unlikely” that striker Kyogo Furuhashi will return to the club.
The Parkhead club have made a loan inquiry with Birmingham City over a potential deal.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s game against Dundee United, O’Neill was asked about the situation and said: “I’d say it’s probably unlikely.
Kyogo Furuhashi has yet to score in any of his 23 league appearances for Birmingham City
“There is a view that he really wants to prove himself at Birmingham, which is no surprise.”
Ski Sports News reported on Thursday that the player was seen as a valuable member of the club’s Championship side, despite failing to score in his 23 league appearances so far.
The 30-year-old left Celtic last January when he signed for Rennes for £10m after being advised by Japan coach Hajime Moriasu that he should join one of Europe’s top five leagues in order to be considered for this summer’s World Cup.
He was frozen out at Rennes and joined Birmingham in a £10million deal last summer.
Martin O’Neill has returned to Celtic on a temporary basis until the end of the season
O’Neill returned to Celtic on Monday for a second spell in a temporary role after Wilfried Nancy was sacked after losing six of his eight games in charge.
The hoops have already signed Julian Araujo on loan to Bournemouth until the end of the season, but the 73-year-old insists they are doing everything they can to further strengthen the squad this month.
“I’m working on it a lot, seriously,” he added.
“I know that’s a big generalization. We’re doing it there and hopefully we’ll try to get a few players in.”
“There is a lot of work to do. We are aware that we have to add to the team.”