Daizen Maeda has insisted he has no interest in moving to Southampton because he's happy with life at Celtic.

The Japanese forward has enjoyed an excellent season for Celtic and impressed during the World Cup where he scored a goal for his country in the Round of 16 game against Croatia, before they eventually exited on penalties.

He was linked with a move to the struggling Saints who have sent scouts to monitor his form ahead of a possible bid in the summer.

However, Maeda, 25, is only concentrating on playing for the Hoops because he reckons that's his best hope of playing in another World Cup in North America in three years' time.

He said: "Right now, I’m not thinking about the future at all. I just won one of the domestic cups with Celtic, but I still have another cup and league title left to win this season.

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"That is my only priority. Personally, I would like to achieve double-digit goals and assists.

"Until this season, I had almost no assists even though I scored a few goals.

"This season, my assists have increased and I would like to think that's been linked to our results.

"If I want to be a part of the next World Cup in the USA, then there are still many things here at Celtic that I need to do."

And Meada, in an interview in his homeland, admitted this season has been a dream for him after stressing how contented he is with life in Glasgow.

He said: "The enthusiasm of the local fans in Scotland reminds me of my days at Matsumoto Yamaga.

"But back then in 2016 when I was in the Japanese second division, I never ever thought I would see the day that I played and scored at a World Cup.

"It changed everything for me. In fact, after the Finals, when I returned home to Japan, people started noticing me all the time so I disguised myself a little! But inside, I've not changed at all."