Nancy: Maeda is happy, I'd love him to stay

WILFRIED NANCY admits keeping Daizen Maeda for the rest of the season is top of his Christmas wishlist.

- BY MICHAEL GANNON

The Celtic manager knows the attacker was on the verge of an exit in the summer, and more interest is expected when the transfer window opens next month.

But Nancy revealed Maeda is content at the club - and he'd love for the talisman to stick around for the long term.

The Japan ace is under contract at Parkhead until June 2027 and, although the manager confirmed at least one new striker is being targeted, he'd love to keep hold of last season's player of the year.

Nancy said: "Yes, for sure, we'd like to keep him and he knows that. I hope that he's going to stay.

"He's really happy here. I knew that he had the opportunity to leave before but, for the moment, he's with us and he's happy to be here."

Maeda has been deployed through the middle and out wide - but has looked more comfortable on the wing.

When asked the 28-year-old's strongest position, Nancy said: "Both! He's not a natural winger, I would say, because he's able to make the run. Instead of when he starts in the middle, he makes the run on the side to attack.