Mizuno move to Celtic would be blow to JEF United Chiba

By Alastair Himmer

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan midfielder Koki Mizuno's expected move to Celtic would be a big blow to Japanese side JEF United Chiba, the club said on Friday.

"The club have told him we want him to stay next season," JEF official Kentaro Shiga told Reuters.

"But he wants to play abroad and until January 31 he is free to negotiate.

"As things stand now it looks like he will (move to Celtic)."

Celtic have been given the green light to complete the signing of the 22-year-old after his application for a work permit was approved by the Department of Employment.

Mizuno is in Glasgow to undergo a medical and could be unveiled as a Celtic player this weekend. He would join Japan international team mate Shunsuke Nakamura at Parkhead.

Nakamura, last season's Scottish Player of the Year, recommended Mizuno to Celtic after spending a month with the JEF United winger at last year's Asian Cup tournament.

Mizuno's Celtic debut could be delayed until February as he and Nakamura are likely to be involved in Japan's friendlies with Chile and Bosnia-Herzegovina later this month.

(Editing by Peter Rutherford)