Celtic could be set to face a battle to keep hold of Shunsuke Nakamura, according to the player's legal representative.
The Japanese schemer has long since established himself as a favourite amongst the Celtic faithful and, last season, capped a title-winning campaign by being named the Scottish Football Writers' Association Player of the Year.
While earlier this month Nakamura moved to dismiss talk of his alleged unrest, he is thought to be less than enamoured about his earnings compared to a number of his team-mates.
Several of the 'world's biggest clubs' are monitoring the situation closely and with Italian lawyer Angelo Massoni and his legal team studying his contract, in order to determine whether there is an escape clause that would permit his departure for as little as £1million, Celtic face an anxious wait to learn of Nakamura's bargaining hand.
"I have spoken with [Nakamura's agent] Roberto Takudo about this and we want to meet with Celtic next week," Massoni told the Scottish Daily Mail.
"We have four of the biggest clubs in world football interested in Nakamura and willing to pay big money. We will recommend these offers to Celtic.
"Obviously, if Celtic want to make a better offer, that is up to the club.
"We cannot name the clubs interested from the other countries until we have informed the club first."
Nakamura's existing contract is set to expire in 2009.
used
he is underpaid bcos of where he comes from and not bcos of his lack of talent
dbowie
Originally posted by used:
he is underpaid bcos of where he comes from and not bcos of his lack of talent
Yeah..Japan
Qing^.^
His left foot's certainly worth a few more quid than hes being paid for.
anhydrouscoppersulphate
one of the best free kick takers from japan
omgukilledkenny
Nakamura for £1million = very good deal.
omgukilledkenny
Nakamura going nowhere - Celtic
SPL champions Celtic insist they are not expecting Shunsuke Nakamura to seek a move away from Parkhead.
The Hoops believe the Japanese playmaker is enjoying his spell in Glasgow and not looking at other options.
Nakamura was named player of the year for 2006-07 by the Scottish Professional Footballers' Association, as well as by the football writers and league sponsors, as he helped Celtic to the domestic double and the last 16 of the Champions League.
To lose him would be a major blow, but Celtic are confident Nakamura will not be seeking a transfer.
A club spokesperson said: "Celtic have a contract with Nakamura for next year and the option for a further year.
"We have been give no indication he wishes to leave the club."
While they remain optimistic, the club have declined to comment on reports that a clause in Nakamura's contract could allow him to leave for £1million.
Italian agent Angelo Massoni believes Nakamura could be able to move for the price, which represents a fraction of his full value, and claims talks with Celtic could happen shortly.
Massoni claims "four of the biggest clubs in world football" have shown interest in Nakamura, who joined Celtic from Reggina in 2005.
a-Lost-9uY
hey Pool can sign him le.. can play winger mah
LazerLordz
He could replace Ljungberg at Arsenal.
dragg
he should leave celtic!!!
CKeer
He's certainly worth more than that - he scored 2 freaking freekicks past United in 2 matches in last season's Champions League!
Cheers. CK
lalaTearz
sign him..can increase revenue in japan.. n he deadly in set pieces..