Journalist Mark Hendry thinks Celtic may now see Reo Hatate as a left-sided option after their move for Yosuke Ideguchi, Football Scotland report.

The Lowdown: Terms agreed

Celtic are wasting no time when it comes to their transfer activity ahead of the January transfer window and appear to have got a head start on two possible signings.

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Reports earlier this month have claimed that terms have been agreed for both Hatate and Ideguchi, while Celtic also want to bring forward Daizen Maeda to Parkhead.

The Hoops initially viewed Hatate, who can also play as a left-back, as a midfield addition, but it seems that may change following their swoop for Ideguchi.

The Latest: Hendry’s claim

Football Scotland relayed comments from Hendry in a story on Thursday evening.

This is what he had to say regarding the Kawasaki Frontale man, claiming Celtic may now see Hatate as a left-sided option.

"I've been told that Reo Hatate is being looked at as a midfield option. That might change because the other player they're looking at, Ideguchi, he is a midfield player as well so things may have changed where they're looking at Hatate as a left-sided option.

"He can play on the left, but a source told me they were looking at Hatate as a midfield option."

The Verdict: Good move

Hatate looks like he could be an extremely shrewd signing by Postecoglou due to his versatility. He already has the winning mentality which is needed to play for Celtic after helping his current employers to a second consecutive J1 League title.

Should he complete a move to Glasgow, he’ll be able to rival Greg Taylor at left-back while also providing Postecoglou with an option in midfield, or on either wing. [Transfermarkt]

That would leave the Celtic boss with Ideguchi as an out and out midfield option, but having squad members like Hatate could prove priceless in the second half of the season, especially when you consider the club’s recent injury woes.

In other news: 'Could be a long time' - Devlin shares worrying injury update on Celtic ace after bone 'break'.