Forgotten Celtic defender Kobayashi linked with MLS move

The 23-year-old center back is reportedly the target of at least two transfer requests.

Real Salt Lake and FC Dallas, two MLS teams, are reportedly mentioned as potential suitors by The Scottish Sun.

When Kobayashi came to Celtic from Vissel Kobe, he had a five-year contract inked.

Despite his time in Glasgow, he has failed to make an impact in Celtic’s first team.

Kobayashi hasn’t played a single competitive minute for Celtic this season.

And speculation over a transfer exit – or loan switch – has been increasing throughout the window.

One player Brendan Rodgers won’t allow to leave this month, though, is Liel Abada.

Transfer rumours have surrounded the winger this month, however, Rodgers insists he is not a player who will be sold in January.

He explained: “There’s nothing on Liel.

“I know there has been stories generated for whatever reason around him, probably trying to second guess what has been going on with Liel.

It’s really, really easy. After a protracted injury layoff, Liel has returned, and once more, he’s a player I can get better at working with.

“He’s a player I spoke with early on; he approaches me, we chat, and he focuses primarily on staying at Celtic and improving.”

“You can’t deny the issues that are occurring in his native country; it’s only normal. However, we don’t want to sell him.”