Kyogo gets coy Celtic exit address from Atlanta United chief as Mathias Kvistgaarden 'conversation' clears transfer path

Atlanta United president Garth Lagerwey was put on the spot about Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi amid transfer swirls.

The striker was preparing to face Dundee United at Parkhead on Wednesday night when the rumour mill was sent into overdrive after an article appeared on the Major League Soccer website announcing that he had become the latest designated player at the club. Since then, the MLS have apologised over the post stating: "Major League Soccer's website mistakenly posted an article that named the wrong player as having signed with an MLS club."

That sparked questions for Lagerwey over the prospect of signing the Celtic hero. Speaking to The Atlanta Journal Constitution he refused to directly address a move for the Japan international, but said: "There are fewer good players available in the winter versus summer. But please don't misunderstand: There are good players available in the winter, and if we can get the two that we think are right, we'll get them now.

"What we won't compromise on is we won't sign a lesser player in an effort to do it quickly." In terms of the DPs (designated players), those are the big focus and can we get the right guys in by the start of the season?"

Should there be any movement for Kyogo this month, Brendan Rodgers will be desperate to add more depth to his frontline. Mathias Kvistgaarden has been a long-term target for the club and Brondby's new sporting director Benjamin Schmedes has opened up on his star man.

The 22-year-old has stated last year that he was "very interested" in leaving Denmark behind to kickstart his career. And speaking to BT, he admitted that "serious" bids for their star man would be considered: "We want to have a strong team, which means we want to hold on