CELTIC today moved quickly to distance themselves from reports in Japan that they are about to secure Olympic star Yuki Otsu on loan.

The 22-year-old Borussia Munchengladbach attacking midfielder rose to prominence during this summer's Games when he scored the goal which saw holders Spain crash to defeat in their opening game at Hampden.

Otsu went on to score another two goals before the Japanese were eventually knocked out at the semi-final stage. He has spent an unhappy year in Germany after moving to the Bundesliga from Kashiwa Reysol, failing to make an impact and making just three appearances.

Otsu, who has aspirations to make the breakthrough to the full Japanese national team after his heroics at the Olympics, is looking to move to a club where he will get more game time.

Borussia view him as an investment for the future, and do not want to sell him at this stage. So a loan appears to be the compromise, and reports in Japan claim Celtic are the club ready to give him the chance to kick- start his career.

A source close to Otsu is quoted as saying: "We've received an offer from Celtic and are in negotiations. Once we settle on the terms, the transfer should go through."

However, this was denied by senior sources within Parkhead.

Even with Ki-Sung Yueng about to conclude his move away from the club – Swansea remain in pole position after agreeing a £6m deal with Celtic, but Ki's father admits Fulham could still hijack the move – the SPL champions are continuing to prioritise a central defender and a striker.

Neil Lennon has identified targets, but will have to wait until Champions League football is guaranteed before he can move.

In the meantime, the Hoops boss is trying to patch together a side to face Inverness tomorrow in the Highlands.

Victor Wanyama is available again after having to sit out the win in Helsingborgs through suspension.

But several of his team-mates picked up injuries during that game and have been added to the list of walking wounded.

Lennon said: "Joe Ledley has had a scan on his groin and is a doubt, while Beram Kayal and Thomas Rogne are also doubts with ankle problems.

"We're hoping Mo Bangura and Paddy McCourt will come into the squad, and Filip Twardzik could come into it as well. But there is still a doubt about Daryl Murphy and Anthony Stokes."