Celtic set to land Mizuno

Celtic could complete the signing of Japanese midfielder Koki Mizuno before the end of the week.

The 22-year-old is a right-sided attacking player and would be expected, in time, to provide competition to his countryman Shunsuke Nakamura on the flank.

Mizuno arrived in Glasgow last night and could meet his new teammates today.

He is rated one of Japan’s outstanding young talents and has already been capped at senior level.

Mizuno has played insufficient games to be granted a work permit in a straightforward manner, but a panel assigned to his case by the UK Department of Employment judged he should be treated as a special case.

However, Mizuno’s J. League club side JEF United have refused to confirm or deny reports he is set to sign despite becoming a free agent at the end of this month.

A JEF United spokesperson refused to disclose whether Mizuno will join Celtic, instead insisting they still harbour hopes that he will choose to stay with the Japanese side.

“Mizuno’s current contract with us will expire at the end of this month and he will be a free agent after that,” said spokesperson Yoichi Risho. “We are not really in a position to comment further on this issue.

“We hope he will stay with us for next season but we also know that he has desires to play abroad.”

Mizuno is poised to become Celtic’s second new signing of the month, following German defender Andreas Hinkel who moved from Sevilla to Parkhead last week in a deal worth around £1.9m.

The club have also tied goalkeeper Artur Boruc down to a new three-and-a-half-year contract, quelling speculation he would be a big-money departure to AC Milan this month.

American goalkeeper Brad Guzan may soon become his understudy, with his Major League Soccer club Chivas USA confirming they have received offers for the 23-year-old from clubs in Europe, who are reported to include Celtic.

One player who seems increasingly likely to be on the way out, however, is Bobo Balde.

The Guinean has only just returned to the first team after injury and then a spell out of favour.

Now Bolton are keen to take the 32-year-old to the Reebok Stadium, and should Balde leave he would relieve Celtic of his hefty salary.

Balde, 32, will play for his country at the upcoming African Nations Cup but Bolton manager Megson confirmed he wants to recruit the centre-back.

The Trotters boss told the Bolton News: “We have been talking to Celtic about trying to come up with a fee where we can talk to Bobo but we’re not there just yet.”