Manager Brendan Rodgers will not stand in the way of any player who wishes to leave Celtic but says striker Kyogo Furuhashi has not been affected by transfer speculation in January.
The Japan forward has been linked with Atlanta United and Major League Soccer apologised to Celtic last week after its website wrongly published a story saying a deal had been done.
Celtic travel to Dundee on Tuesday looking to stretch their lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership to 18 points before Rangers play Aberdeen on Wednesday.
Kyogo scored twice in the 4-1 win at Ross County on Saturday and although the 29-year-old celebrated both finishes in muted fashion, Rodgers dismissed any significance.
“People will always look into something,” the Northern Irishman said. “He didn’t celebrate enough, or he didn’t do this or he didn’t do that.
“I see him every day, I see his work, I see his intensity. Maybe he scores so much that he doesn’t feel he has to celebrate madly all the time. Or maybe he was too cold.
“He’s just the same guy. [There is] always speculation and we’re not scared of the speculation and the gossip. He’s fine and he will travel to Dundee.”
Rodgers said it is only prudent for Celtic to have contingency plans for any bids that arrive for first-team players during the January transfer window.
“All these ‘what if’ scenarios, you have to be [prepared],” he added.
“If a player doesn’t want to be here, then go. At that point the club has to get the best possible deal. I don’t see the point of keeping someone who doesn’t want to be here.
“It’s all eventualities we prepare for, whether it’s injuries or transfers. You always have to be ready.
“But for him, he’s happy, he’s working well, scoring goals and enjoying his football.”
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Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has been speaking to the media before Tuesday’s Scottish Premiership game at Dundee (kick-off 20:00 GMT).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
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Nicolas Kuhn is back available for selection having missed the 4-1 win against Ross County, while fellow winger Daizen Maeda – who was also absent last time out – will be assessed on Tuesday before the game.
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Rodgers says he is not concerned by Adam Idah’s lack of goals currently, and backed the Republic of Ireland striker to come good in front of goal. Rodgers also pointed out how his teams do not rely on one player to score, and goals are spread throughout his squad.
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Says he is “delighted” for Johnny Kenny, who Rodgers believes has returned from his loan spell at Shamrock Rovers a better player. Says there will be a decision made soon as to whether his development is better served at Celtic or with another loan spell.
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On Dundee, Rodgers expects Tony Docherty’s team to be “tight and compact”. Says it is about Celtic staying patient and taking chances when they arise.
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Rodgers is determined to bring new players to Parkhead during the January window to provide a “freshness” for the second half of the season, but would not reveal how many signings he has in mind.
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When asked about speculation linking Kyogo with a move away from the club, Rodgers says the Japan striker is “just the same guy” and will be involved against Dundee. Suggested a perceived lack of goal celebration against Ross County may have been down to the amount of goals he scores or the freezing temperatures in Dingwall.
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Rodgers added he will not keep any player at Celtic who doesn’t want to be at the club.
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