Celtic are fast-tracking the signing of Reo Hatate with the possibility of a January 1 registration and debut the following day- of the SFA are open for business on bank holidays.
Ange Postecoglou has made it clear that he is looking to do business with Japan although he has given nothing in terms of which players he is targeting.
Hatate will be out of contract with Kawasaki Frontale at the end of January with just a token fee required to get the deal over a month early.
The 24-year-old can play at left-back or left midfield but it is in defence that he is likely to feature for Celtic with Greg Taylor, Adam Montgomery, Boli Bolingoli and Liam Scales used in that position. Over the last month Josip Juranovic has been the regular left-back.
If Hatate is signed Juaranovic is likely to be switched to his more natural position of right-back with Tony Ralston demoted to back up.
Scott Burns has a decent track record on transfer matters, in the Daily Record he reports:
Celtic are trying to push through a deal to bring in Reo Hatate for the opening of the January window and a potential debut against Rangers.
The Japanese defender is the man Ange Postecoglou believes will solve his left-back issues and the club are hell-bent on fast-tracking the transfer.
Celtic are keen to act quickly with growing concerns over new virus strains and more travel restrictions being put in place.
Hatate is out of contract with Kawasaki Frontale at the end of January but he has decided he wants to join countryman Kyogo Furuhashi in Glasgow.
Celtic have all but thrashed out terms and are confident Kawasaki Frontale won’t stand in the 24-year-old’s way of making an early move to Scotland.
The Hoops also need to get their work permit application and paperwork completed ahead of the New Year window opening.
Celtic are also aware Hatate is a Japanese under-23 cap and can play left wing-back or midfield.
The club have struggled at left-back with Greg Taylor out injured, with Boli Bolingoli also failing to win a reprieve while Postecoglou has played Josip Juranovic out-of-position on that side.
Getting a work permit and International Transfer through on January 1 could be quite a stretch but if Hatate can join the squad for their January training camp it will be a major boost for the squad and sign that business will be done early for Postecoglou.
CLICK HERE for Hatate Transfermarkt profile.
He looks like a player, has good movement, energy and a turn of pace, sets up and scores goals too. I’m sold and looks worth a punt. HH