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Mizuno is seen as one of Japan's brightest stars

Celtic are looking to further strengthen their squad with the signing of Japanese midfielder Koki Mizuno.

The SPL club applied in December for a work permit for the 22-year-old J-League star and should find out within 48 hours if it has been granted.

Mizuno is out of contract with his club JEF United and is seen as one of the brightest prospects in Japan.

Mizuno does not qualify automatically for a work permit because he does not have enough international caps.

However, a panel from the Department of Employment will soon sit to make a decision.

His arrival could see Celtic increase their Asian merchandise sales, already boosted by Shunsuke Nakamura.

Celtic have signed Andreas Hinkel from Sevilla for £1.9m in the January transfer window.

Japanese midfielder Nakamura arrived at the club in July 2005, in a £2.5m deal from Reggina.