Reo Hatate has been told a move away from Celtic and to Serie A would suit him down to the ground.
Italian outfit Udinese are the latest to be linked with a move for the Hoops star who has shone since his switch from J-League Kawasaki Frontale.
Celts manager Brendan Rodgers would love to hold onto the 27-year-old and intimated that he expects the club to sit down with their key player and discuss a new contract.
Hatate is on record as keen to play in the English Premier League and has reportedly attracted interest from there too.
Udinese had scouts watching as he scored two in an impressive 5-1 thumping of Kilmarnock. Celtic would likely demand a hefty fee if they were to part with the player, though.
Now, Brazil legend Zico has given his thoughts on the situation after discussing Hatate with Toru Oniki, who coached the Japan international at Kawasaki Frontale.
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He told the Sunday Post: "I spoke recently about Hatate with Toru Oniki, his coach at (Kawaski) Frontale for years.
"He told me that he was a strong, fast player with a winning mentality, who has already won a lot in his career.
"He said he is an excellent player, highly regarded, who can operate well in any position across the midfield.
"All indications are he could do very well. Certainly, I would imagine in Italy, especially with a team like Udinese, where he would have time to settle in better."
Asked about Hatate after the transfer speculation, Rodgers said: "Yeah, I think for Reo I can feel a little bit of inconsistency, especially in the first few games. There's absolutely no doubt he's a big talent.
"He's obviously a bit later in age now but maybe some clubs look at him and think he's at the wrong end of the asset age, they tend to go for that younger player.
"For me, he's an absolutely outstanding player. The way he takes the ball, he's prepared to play that risky pass. He's got goals.
"A really gifted player, it took me a wee while to get his inside his mind but he's absolutely superb. Certainly not underestimated by us because he's been really, really good this year."
Hatate sat out yesterday's draw with St Mirren after picking up an injury midweek against Aberdeen and will now miss the Scottish Cup final against the Dons.
