Udinese lead the race for Celtic midfielder who also has interest from France and Germany

Udinese are reported to be preparing an offer to sign Reo Hatate.

The Italian side stepped up their interest in the midfielder by sending scouts to Celtic’s recent 5-1 win over Kilmarnock where Hatate would have caught the eye.

Without any real basis there has been a feeling that the 27-year-old could be on the move this summer even though he is sitting on a contract that runs until June 2028.

Hatate joined Celtic in January 2022  from Kawasaki Frontiers, making an instant impact with a long range goal at Tynecastle followed by a double in his first Glasgow Derby.

Celtic have dominated Scottish football ever since that 3-0 victory but it seems that the squad built by Ange Postecoglou could be breaking up.

The Sun reports:

UDINESE have scouted Reo Hatate as they weigh up a big-money summer swoop for the Celtic midfielder.

SunSport can reveal the Serie A side have sent officials to Hoops matches specifically to check on the Japanese ace.

Clubs in France and Germany are also thought to be keen on the 27-year-old, who has three years to run on the extension he signed in September 2023.

It means Celtic would be able to demand top dollar if the Italians try to prise him away.

But Udinese’s interest is clear and it’s understood they had a scout in the stands for the Hoops’ lunchtime clash with Kilmarnock on April 12.

Hatate scored two goals that day as Brendan Rodgers’ men ran riot in a 5-1 win against the Ayrshire side.

Over the last two summers Celtic have sold Jota and Matt O’Riley for around £25m each, it seems that there is an expectation that one significant transfer will take place every close season.

With Hatate on a long term contract Celtic have a strong degree of control over the issue, if he moves on it will be a test for Head of Football Operations Paul Tisdale to come up with a ready-made replacement.