VVV Venlo chief Hans Soentjens has confirmed the interest of Premier League clubs in defender Maya Yoshida.

Yoshida is impressing in the London Olympics with Japan.

"The response from England has been certainly very high praise, I know a number of clubs from the Premier League are very interested. I want to help him make that next step," said Soentjens.

The likes of Southampton, Everton and Fulham have been linked with Yoshida.