Celtic determined to keep Nakamura

Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell has revealed he is unlikely to sanction the sale of Shunsuke Nakamura in January.

The Japan international, 30, has hinted he could return to his homeland for family reasons and to cut down on travel for international fixtures.

Former club Yokohama Marinos have already expressed an interest in tabling a bid if they receive the necessary financial backing from parent company Nissan.

Nakamura is out of contract in the summer, meaning Celtic risk losing him for nothing if they do not allow him to quit in the next transfer window.

But, speaking to Scotland on Sunday, Lawwell said: “We are in the business of winning championships, not cashing in on players.

“It is our intention to strengthen our squad in January as we focus on retaining the title.

“That means Shunsuke Nakamura still being with us.”