Kyogo Furuhashi: Celtic striker set for £10m move to Rennes with ...

Rennes are hopeful of completing the signing of Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi for around £10m on Thursday.

Sky Sports News previously reported an offer was on the table, with the possibility of Jota returning to Glasgow also being discussed separately.

Sky Sports News also understands Kyogo has arrived in France ahead of his move to Rennes. The Japan international is due to undergo a medical and finalise personal terms.

Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Rennes boss Jorge Sampaoli said: "We hope that the deal will be completed today for Kyogo - and if it is the case - he could have minutes at Monaco.

"He is a player that we wanted ardently and who can bring us depth."

Kyogo has been a key player for the Hoops since arriving in Scotland in the summer of 2021 under Ange Postecoglou.

However, his form for Celtic has not always been recognised by Japan boss Hajime Moriyasu, who has previously criticised the Scottish league.

It's believed Kyogo would welcome the chance to join a club in one of Europe's top five leagues, despite Celtic's progression to the Champions League knockouts.

The 30-year-old, who had three goals disallowed against Young Boys on Wednesday night, has netted 85 times for the Hoops in all competitions.

Sky Sports News understands Celtic would be open to a return for winger Jota, who has been frozen out at Rennes following his move in the summer from Al Ittihad. The Hoops are exploring the possibility of a deal for Jota, separately.

Jota left Celtic for Al Ittihad in 2023 for a then-record fee of £25m.

'If a player doesn't want to be here, then go'

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Brendan Rodgers admitted last week he will not stand in anyone's way if their heart is set on leaving Celtic:

"I think the biggest thing is if a player doesn't want to be here, then go, and then it's at that point, then the club has to get the best possible deal. So I don't ever see the point of keeping someone who doesn't want to be here.

"But I think for us, it's all eventualities. That's what we prepare for, whether it's injuries, whether it's transfers. You always have to be ready and that's our message.

"But for him [Kyogo] at this moment in time, he's happy, he's working well, he's scoring goals and enjoying his football.

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"People always look into something - 'he didn't celebrate enough or he didn't do this or he didn't do that'.

"I see him every day, I see his work, I see his intensity. And maybe he scores so much that he doesn't really have to celebrate madly all the time. Or maybe it was too cold. But he's just the same guy.

"But there's always speculation and we're not scared of the speculation and the gossip. So there'll always be wee bits and pieces around him."