Celtic are hoping the success of Shunsuke Nakamura in Scottish football will have a positive influence on the Department of Employment when they meet today to decide whether or not to issue a work permit to Koki Mizuno, his Japanese protege.
Celtic are hoping the success of Shunsuke Nakamura in Scottish football will have a positive influence on the Department of Employment when they meet today to decide whether or not to issue a work permit to Koki Mizuno, his Japanese protege.
Peter Lawwell, the Celtic chief executive, is understood to be confident an application for the 22-year-old midfielder will be granted after reaching agreement with his club, JEF United. Last night, a Celtic source confirmed the seriousness of the defending champions' interest in adding to their Far Eastern contingent, but admitted to "one or two obstacles" before the deal can be completed.
The biggest concern is that Mizuno does not fulfil the DoE's work permit criterion of playing at least 75% of international matches for his country in the past two years. Mizuno has only been capped four times for Japan but Celtic are hopeful the authorities will take into consideration the career prosperity enjoyed by Nakamura since his £2.7m transfer from Reggina.
Nakamura has not only enhanced the entertainment value of Scottish football but has been a commercial cash cow for Celtic. Mizuno is also represented by Nakamura's agent, Roberto Takuda, and as well as comparisons being drawn with the playmaker, Nakamura is believed to have endorsed Mizuno's credentials to Gordon Strachan and the Celtic board.
While the New Naka' title has helped generate excitement among Celtic supporters, Japanese observers last night moved to distinguish between the experience and class of Nakamura and the raw talent possessed by Mizuno. The youngster, like his compatriot, prefers to play on the right side of midfield but is regarded more as a winger than a playmaker.
If the DoE approve Celtic's request for a work permit, Mizuno could fly over tomorrow to finalise contractual matters. This represents a secondary complication since any discussions are likely to include negotiation over image rights. Nakamura is not among Celtic's highest earners but makes millions per year in marketing opportunities in his homeland, something Mizuno will also benefit from if he can secure a move to the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.
Mizuno's situation will also have repercussions for Coelho, the Brazilian full-back who continued his trial period at Lennoxtown yesterday. The 24-year-old apparently impressed during training but has still to demonstrate a versatility after Celtic spent £1.9m on the German international right-back, Andreas Hinkel, from Sevilla.
Coelho does not possess dual nationality so will also require a work permit.
Celtic will not rush into a second offer for the Dundee United captain, Barry Robson, despite the fact the player will be cup-tied if he plays for Dundee United in their Scottish Cup fourth-round tie against Clyde at the weekend.
United are holding out for £1.2m, but Celtic are prepared to be patient, with no other significant bids lodged for the Scotland fringe player.
A club source also dismissed the latest round of speculation linking Henrik Larsson and Shaun Maloney with returns to Celtic Park.
The Herald also understands that Artur Boruc's new contract does not include a get-out clause, contrary to some recent reports.
Meanwhile, Major League Soccer side Chivas USA admit they have received offers from European clubs for goalkeeper Brad Guzan. Celtic have been linked with the 23-year-old who was MLS Goalkeeper of the Year last season.
