Celtic are keen to secure a hurried January transfer for Reo Hatate after Ange Postecoglou earmarked the Kawasaki Frontale defender as his left-back solution, per the Daily Record.
The Bhoys boss is eager to sew up a mid-season deal for a new option after watching Greg Taylor suffer with injuries. He has not featured since September after making 11 outings.
Boli Bolingoli has also failed to earn Postecoglou’s admiration. So, he has often relied on his £2.5m summer signing Josip Juranovic to feature out of his natural right-back position.
Postecoglou feels Hatate can now solve Celtic’s issues at left-back in a winter transfer. The 24-year-old is out of contract with Kawasaki Frontale at the end of January, and the Hoops are confident the J1-League outfit will not stop him from moving to Glasgow a little sooner.
Celtic have all but reached an agreement over personal terms with the Japan international for a move to Scotland. They hope to rush through his arrival before the market opens in the New Year amid growing concerns over new coronavirus strains and travel restrictions.
The Parkhead natives will also need to obtain a work permit for the left-back to join. But he is keen on the switch to join 26-year-old compatriot Kyogo Furuhashi in green-and-white.
Is January transfer for Hatate the answer to Postecoglou’s Celtic woes?
Postecoglou will feel confident that Hatate can be the answer to his Celtic woes with a mid-season transfer. The Suzuka, Mie-native will at least offer him more balance to his defence.
Hatate has also enjoyed a very creative season this year with six goals and three assists. His efforts over 36 outings, while featuring five times at the Olympics, also led to a maiden senior international call-up. Although he is still yet to make his Samurai Blue debut.
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