CELTIC could raid the J.League once again for £1.5million striker Shin Yamada.
SunSport understands the Kawasaki Frontale hitman has been watched as Brendan Rodgers looks to strengthen his attack.
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Yamada, 25, scored 19 league goals in the 2024 season and also helped the Japanese side to the Asian Champions League final last month.
His goal return has dipped this year – with just six in all competitions so far – but the stocky striker has still been tipped to make a move to Europe.
And it’s understood Celtic are among several overseas clubs looking closely at the Japan under-23 cap.
The Hoops plundered the J.League for five signings during Ange Postecoglou’s reign – with Kyogo Furuhashi, Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda massive hits.
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Celtic are currently working on a deal for Albirex Niigata central defender Hayato Inamura.
He played and scored in his side’s 3-2 defeat to Avispa Fukuoka on Saturday.
But Yamada is also on their radar as they weigh up a move for the bustling penalty-box striker, who is strong in the air despite being under 6ft.
He has 32 goals in 118 games for Frontale since joining from Toin University in 2022.
Yamada was a J.League standout last year – finishing third in the scoring charts.
He hasn’t been able to follow that up this term, with just two league goals to date. He played 86 minutes of his side’s 2-1 defeat to Vissel Kobe on Saturday.
Yamada vowed to get over his struggles and bagged a brace in a recent Emperor’s Cup win over Fukushima.
He said: “Of course there’s pressure. I’m worried but I don’t want to waste time being weak because of that.
“My goals have a very positive impact on the team and I want to keep scoring.”
Celtic boss Rodgers is keen to add another striker to support Daizen Maeda and Adam Idah ahead of the new season.
Irish forward Johnny Kenny is attracting interest across Britain and will be the subject of loan bids.
Yamada has decent experience with Frontale and has played at a high level, domestically and in the Asian Champions League.
But with just 18 months left on his deal, Celtic could snap him up for a relatively low seven-figure fee.
The Hoops are also waiting to confirm the arrival of Fulham striker Callum Osmand, although he is viewed as a project signing.
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Ross Doohan has also agreed a deal to return to Celtic from Aberdeen, while Benjamin Nygren is close to arriving from Nordsjaelland in a £2m switch.
The Hoops have agreed a fee and personal terms for the Swede, who has spent the last week on holiday after international commitments.
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