Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate but have concerns about a work permit.
Ange Postecoglou could launch a raid on Celtic this summer with midfielder Reo Hatate now wanted in North London.
That is according to the Daily Mail, who claim that Spurs are monitoring Hatate’s situation this summer.
New Tottenham boss Postecoglou knows Hatate very well having brought him to Celtic in 2022.
Tottenham are now interested but fear that Hatate won’t receive a work permit to play in the Premier League.
Regulations are slightly different in Scotland and Spurs seemingly think a move for Hatate could be scuppered.
Hatate has bizarrely been capped just once by Japan despite his consistent excellence for Celtic.
The midfielder missed out on the World Cup with boss Hajime Moriyasu leaving him at home – and Spurs may realise that this is a problem.
Ange Postecoglou absolutely loves Reo Hatate
Hatate is another shining example of Postecoglou’s outstanding recruitment from the Japanese market.
Former Yokohama F. Marinos boss Postecoglou has snapped up five Japanese players during his time as Celtic boss.
Hatate arrived for just £1.4million in January 2022, leaving Kawasaki Frontale after winning two J1 League titles.
It didn’t take Hatate long to make an impact, scoring two goals from outside the box to help Celtic beat Rangers 3-0.
John McGinn hailed Hatate as ‘outrageous’ on that night as Celtic blew Rangers away.
Hatate has been absolutely vital under Postecoglou, racking up 13 goals and 14 assists in 66 Celtic games.
Focused almost entirely on the left of Celtic’s midfield three, Hatate has been incredibly influential and can even fill in at left back if needed.
Postecoglou loves Hatate, hailing his mentality and work rate as he attempts to constantly get better.
It’s understandable that Postecoglou now wants to bring Hatate to Tottenham too, but a deal seems a little tricky at best.
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