Dermot Desmond has extended his current contract which runs until 2027

Brendan Rodgers says Daizen Maeda has earned every penny of an improved deal at Celtic.

The Japanese attacker has been inspirational for the champions this term with a stunning return of 28 goals. Scoring numbers and assists combined with outstanding work rate and application have made Maeda hot favourite for this term’s Player of the Year Awards.

The manager says his value is obvious and backs the moves to tie Maeda down as he said: “Absolutely, if there is that possibility to do that.

“There’s absolutely no doubt, he earns every penny and we feel as a club he deserves more, so we want to do that. But, of course it has to work both ways.

“I’ve spoken with Dermot and the club and spoken with the player and, hopefully in the future, that is something that can be done.

“He’s been absolutely brilliant for us this season. Wherever he’s played, however he’s played, he’s had an amazing season. So of course, you would love to tie up one of your best players.”

Rodgers has seen players leave in the past to join bigger leagues with Maeda’s countryman Kyogo Furuhashi heading out to France in January.

Asked if he got the feeling the in-form star wants to stay, he said: “He doesn’t give away much, other than saying he’s very happy. I look and see how he plays, but, listen, I’m also under no illusions here that there’s very few players that are going to do what Callum MacGregor does and some of these players, they have a lifetime here, Jamesy Forest.

“Some players, especially players that are from other parts of the world, they might fancy a change and it’s nothing to do with Celtic or the club or the support, it’s just life.