Rodgers 'not interested' in Kyogo to Man City 'gossip'

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers with fit-again striker Kyogo

Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers says there has been no approach from Manchester City for forward Kyogo Furuhashi and he has not spoken to the striker about the "gossip".

Recent reports suggest the 29-year-old Japan international is on a shortlist of potential targets for the English champions as they consider whether to replace Julian Alvarez.

Kyogo, who has scored 51 goals since arriving in Glasgow in the summer of 2021, is due to return for Sunday's visit to St Mirren after missing last weekend's Scottish League Cup win over Hibernian with a recurring shoulder issue.

"Naturally it comes and we just deal with it," Rodgers said of the media speculation. "But there’s been nothing from Man City. It’s obviously rumour and gossip.

"I haven’t spoken to him directly on that. If I was speaking to every player around gossip and speculation, I would be 24 hours a day.

"It’s of no interest to me. My focus is very much here with Celtic and preparing the team for the game at the weekend.

"Most importantly for me is he is now back feeling comfortable on the grass. He has been brilliant in training the last couple of days and he will be available for the weekend."

'A big seven days' as Rodgers looks to strengthen

Rodgers said there was "nothing new to report" in terms of comings or goings but is anticipating "a mad rush" of activity over the final week of the transfer window.

"It’s a big seven days for us," he said. "I’m confident we can improve the squad."

The Celtic boss repeated that there have been a "number of offers" for Matt O'Riley, praising the midfielder as "an ultimate professional", spoke of potential departures for winger Mikey Johnston and centre-half Gustaf Lagerbielke but is more concerned with adding to his options.

"I’m really happy with the squad at this moment, with our quality, and on a human level because they are a privilege to work with," he said.

"However, if we want to improve as a club, we will have to improve the squad. That’s something that has been very clear for a while.

"This is a club with incredible potential and for some players this won’t be the end, we get that. But that doesn’t mean our benchmark is just domestic.

"I don’t want us to be a team that just participates in the Champions League, takes the money and goes back out.

"We want to be in there competing and for that you need to have improvements."