Daizen Maeda would 'love' to play in Europe as the Celtic target strives to 'close the gap' with his peers.
The 24-year-old is expected to move to the Hoops on loan, with the Parkhead club having an option to buy in the deal.
Maeda would be Ange Postecoglou's second signing from the Japanese market after the arrival of Kyogo in the summer.
The striker scored 23 goals in the Japanese top flight last season and is now a regular in the national team.
It has become clear that a move to Europe is an ambition of the player's, after the matter was raised with him.
When asked if it was somewhere he would like to play, Maeda said: "I felt that I still have a long way to after playing against foreign players.
"If I don't experience playing in a foreign league, I won't be able to close the gap.
"So, if I have a chance, I would love to go to such a stage."
Celtic are also reportedly considering moves for Reo Hatate and Yosuke Ideguchi from Kawasaki Frontale and Gamba Osaka respectively.
