Neil Lennon believes Tottenham target Kyogo Furuhashi is not ready to play at the “top end” of the Premier League.
The Celtic striker has been linked with a move to Spurs after former boss Ange Postecoglou became the north Londoners’ new manager, having been plucked from Japanese football by the Australian coach.
Furuhashi has smashed 54 goals in his two seasons in Glasgow, yet ex-Celtic boss Lennon does not rate him on the level of Heung-min Son, Dejan Kulusevski and the potentially outbound Harry Kane.
He told the Mail: “I have my doubts, yes. I don't think for one minute that he could replace Harry Kane, for example, if that was to be the case.
“He's a good player. I like his style. I'm just not sure he could play consistently at the highest level in the Premier League on a week-to-week basis.
“The other thing is that you've got Kane there at the minute, you've got Son, Kulusevski [and] Richarlison.
“These are world-class players that he'd need to break into if he goes to Spurs. I think he could play in the Premier League but maybe just not at the top end at the minute.”
Japanese forward Kyogo, 28, has refused to discuss the speculation around his future after Brendan Rodgers was named the new Tottenham boss.
He said: “No comment. The future will bring what the future brings. I am only thinking about doing my best for the club I belong to now.”