SHUNSUKE NAKAMURA'S agent will fly into Glasgow within the next couple of weeks to negotiate the midfield star's return to Japan in January.

The 30-year-old's former club, Yokohama Marinos - who are bankrolled by Nissan - have a transfer kitty of £6million, and Naka is top of their wishlist.

But Celtic are refusing to concede they have lost the battle to retain the player until his contract runs out in June.

The Parkhead club's struggle to qualify for the last 16 of the Champions League has rekindled speculation they might be prepared to let Naka leave in the next transfer window.

And, with Marinos reported to be putting together a bid, the countdown to his departure from Glasgow appears to be on. But the Spl cham-pions remain adamant it will be under their terms and when it suits them.

Naka's wife has found it increasingly difficult to settle in Glasgow with two young children. The player is finding it harder to cope with the travelling back to Japan for internationals.

All of this has added fuel to the speculation he could be looking for a quick exit.

Former Japan chief Saburo Kawabuchi claimed Naka told him of his intention to return to Yokohama after Tuesday's Champions League defeat at Old Trafford.

Kawabuchi said: "He said that, because he has a child who will be going to kindergarten soon and because he is 30, he appears to have decided to return to Japan."

Officials of Marinos travelled to Glasgow in May to open talks with Celtic chief executive Peter Lawwell about a possible transfer last summer or this January.

But, rather than cash in, Celtic activated the 12-month option clause on Naka's contract, tying him to the club until the end of this season.

Even if Celtic do not qualify for the knockout stage of the Champions League, Gordon Strachan would want to have Nakamura here to help them retain the Spl title they have won every year since he arrived from Reggina.

Yokohama's Masanori Hakamada revealed today: "While we have been in touch, there is no progress to report. " Darren O'Dea is another who could be on his way out of Parkhead, with Ipswich hot on his trail.

The 21-year-old is desperate to get more first-team football and Celtic look ready to let him go elsewhere.

Meantime, Strachan today confirmed that talks have begun with Gary Caldwell over a new contract extension. And he revealed that the injured Georgios Samaras and Jan Vennegoor of Hesselink are both some way' from returning.