The Japan international will become a free agent upon the expiry of his current deal in December, and he has been linked with a potential move to the major European leagues, with Serie A side Milan and Premier League Everton both reportedly interested.

Slutsky has acknowledged that the midfielder is a major asset for his side, but he admits that the player's future is beyond his control.

"What I can say is that Honda is today one of our players," he told tuttomercatoweb.

"But his tenure does not depend on me and I can not say if he stays or not, this is a dealing with the club.

"I can only say that Honda is a fantastic player.

"Do I see him in Italy? I (would rather see him) in the Champions League (in) the shirt of CSKA."