Yokohama confirm Naka talks

Celtic star set for January move

By Edwin Chong   Last updated: 24th October 2008  

Yokohama confirm Naka talks

Nakamura: Set for talks

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Yokohama F-Marinos have held initial talks with Celtic's Shunsuke Nakamura about a possible move this January.

The J-League outfit have been in regular contact with the star midfielder in recent days and according to local reports, a £6million bid is on the cards.

Club officer Masanori Hakamada revealed he had spoken to Nakamura, but admitted they are still in the early stages of negotiation.

"There's a lot of speculation but nothing has been decided," he told Reuters.

"While we have been in touch, there is no concrete progress to report at this stage."

The Japan international had previously expressed his desire to return home for family reasons.

He was also reportedly struggling with the frequent long-haul trips to play in Japan's World Cup qualifiers.

According to former JFA president Saburo Kawabuchi, Nakamura has made up his mind about returning to the J-League.

"He said that because he has a child who will be going to kindergarten soon and he's 30 years old too, he appears to have decided to return to Japan," Kawabuchi told Nikkan Sports.

Israeli link

Meanwhile, Celtic are understood to be keeping tabs on Racing Genk's Elyaniv Barda.

The 26-year-old Israeli striker, who was one of the top-scorers in Belgium last season, is contracted to Genk to 2010.