Rennes boss Jorge Sampaoli says Kyogo Furuhashi on verge of move from Celtic

Celtic forward Kyogo Furuhashi could be playing for Rennes as soon as Saturday, the Ligue 1 club's manager has confirmed.

Jorge Sampaoli confirmed the Japan striker was on the verge of a move to France and hopes to include him in his squad to face Monaco this weekend.

Furuhashi's departure would leave Celtic with two recognised strikers: Republic of Ireland international Adam Idah - who has not scored for 14 games - and 21-year-old Sligo native Johnny Kenny - who has only made one substitute appearance since returning from a loan at Shamrock Rovers.

Quoted on the Ouest-France news website from a media conference, former Argentina head coach Sampaoli said: "We first hope that the deal will come to fruition. If so, maybe he could play a few minutes (in Monaco).

"We expect a lot from him because he is a player who can help us a lot and, in particular, give us depth."

Sampaoli also revealed that former Celtic winger Jota was on the move. The Portuguese wide player has been linked with a return to Parkhead less than two years after leaving for an ill-fated spell in Saudi Arabia.

Reports of Furuhashi's potential departure emerged in France just as Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers was closing his media conference following his side's qualification for the knockout phase of the Champions League on Wednesday night.

The 29-year-old had three first-half goals disallowed before a late own goal - with Idah involved in the lead-up - handed Celtic a 1-0 victory over Young Boys.

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