Hearts attacker Yutaro Oda has revealed how Celtic stars Yuki Kobayashi, Reo Hatate and Tomoki Iwata have helped him settle in to life in Scotland.

The 21-year-old signed for the Edinburgh club during the January transfer window from J1 League side Vissel Kobe.

And now the Japanese forward has explained how former team-mate Kobayashi, along with fellow countrymen Hatate and Iwata, have welcomed him to Scotland.

Speaking to the Edinburgh Evening News, he said: "[Yuki] Kobayashi played with me since we were in junior high school so I know him. “They [Iwata, Hatate and Kobayashi] all came to Edinburgh and we went to a Japanese restaurant.

"They are senior to me so they taught me a lot of things about Scotland. I feel people are speaking English so fast. I can’t understand. The Scottish accent is so strong but first of all I have to understand what English is."

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Meanwhile, Premier League clubs are reportedly monitoring Carl Starfelt ahead of possible summer transfer bids.

It's claimed a number of unnamed English top-flight clubs are watching the Celticstopper.

Starfelt, 27, is under contract at Celtic Park until 2025 and has been a key player under Ange Postecoglou having played 20 times so far this season.

But Celtic's transfer resolve could be tested in the summer according to Fabrizio Romano who reports interest from down south.

However, he goes on to insist that any move would have to be significant with Celtic hopeful of keeping the defender past the summer.

Writing on Twitter, the transfer insider claimed: "Celtic central defender Carl Starfelt, one to watch in the summer as Premier League clubs are following him as possible option for next window.

"Scottish club will try to keep him as he's considered an important player for Celtic.

 

Glasgow Times:

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