NIIGATA (Kyodo) Japan striker Kisho Yano has agreed to a new deal with Albirex Niigata, the J. League first-division club said Tuesday.

Yano's current deal was to expire at the end of June and the 25-year-old, who has scored five league goals this season and helped Niigata move into second in the table, had been eyeing a possible move overseas.

However, he has decided to stay with Niigata at the request of club officials.

"It's the middle of the season and we are in second place so I decided I couldn't leave the club at this time," Yano said in a club statement.