Former Japan international striker Yoshito Okubo will make a full transfer from newly relegated J. League team Cerezo Osaka to Vissel Kobe in the top flight on a multiyear contract, soccer sources said on Monday.

Okubo joined Cerezo Osaka after high school in 2001 and moved to Spanish League side Mallorca in December 2004 before returning to Cerezo last June.

He has scored 39 goals in 87 matches in the J. League's top division. "I want to play in the first division and get a chance to make a comeback as a member of the international squad.

That's why I've decided to play for Kobe," Okubo said. "I will do my best with the new team, and I hope to repay my gratitude by becoming a member of the international squad."