Journalist Pete O’Rourke has made a further claim regarding Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate, GiveMeSport report.

The Lowdown: Eye-catching start in Scotland

Hatate, labelled as a ‘serious player’ by Liverpool’s Andy Robertson, was one of five players to sign for the Hoops in January, joining in a £1.38m deal from Kawasaki Frontale.

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He has since contributed to five Premiership goals, three of which came against rivals Rangers earlier this month.

Pundit Noel Whelan has recently suggested that the 24-year-old ‘will be’ wanted by Premier League clubs, and O’Rourke has joined him with that view, should his impressive form continue.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

O’Rourke recently made a claim suggesting Hatate wouldn’t be in any rush to leave Parkhead.

The journalist has since been asked by GiveMeSport if clubs in England would be looking to sign the midfielder, to which he said:

“Yes, I think, 100%.

“If Reo Hatate keeps performing at the levels that he has been, it’s inevitable that Premier League clubs are going to be alerted to him.”

The Verdict: Huge bid would be needed

The Japan international is under contract with the club until 2026, so the club are under no pressure to sell Hatate in the summer, just six months after arriving in Scotland.

Clubs in the Premier League may well be tracking the midfielder, which of course is a potential worry, however, any interest only goes to show how well the Hoops have done when it comes to their recruitment.

A huge offer would more than likely be needed for Celtic to even think about cashing in, and you’d like to think Hatate still has plenty of years left as a Celtic player before possibly moving on.

In other news: Celtic source - Ange gives green light to out-of-window exit for 'arrogant' ace after talks.