Kyogo sparks transfer civil war as Celtic 'battle' in £8.4m successor race while path to Moro deal becomes clear

Fuming sporting director Frederic Massara has attempted to clamp murmurs over a row behind the scenes at Stade Rennes amid reports of interest in Celtic striker Kyogo Furuhashi.

The 29-year-old is at the centre of a speculation over a row between the chief and manager Jorge Sampaoli - with the Argentine boss said to be keen to see his club splash a fee in the region of £10m to take the Japanese international from Celtic this month. But temperatures have reached boiling point with Rennes being dumped out of the Coup de France by minnows Troyes - while also facing a relegation scrap in Ligue 1.

And speaking to Ouest France,, Massara came out swinging when quizzed on his relationship with the boss. He said: "The staff is working well, we have all the confidence that things can progress. It is not a question of that, we must start with the players."

Pressed on the January recruitment drive amid reported conflict over a deal for Kyogo, he said: "I am very disappointed with the team at the moment. We will have time to assess it, don't worry. The club supports us, the owner supports us and showed it during this winter transfer window where we have already brought in big players who can help us get back on track. We will be ready to see if there are opportunities to strengthen ourselves further. Now, we have to focus on the basics. Fight a little more for this jersey."

Should the Hoops' talisman leave Glasgow's east end this summer, Brondby's Mathias Kvistgaarden looks to be among the frontrunners to replace him. Bold report that the Danish club are demanding a minimum of £8.4m to sell in the winter window.

It comes after RB Leipzig are said to be showing interest in the 22-year-old this month - and will make a move if they