Journalist Pete O’Rourke believes it will be difficult for Celtic to keep hold of Reo Hatate in the future, GiveMeSport report.

The Lowdown: Hatate helps Hoops pull clear

Hatate was one of five January additions at Parkhead and has since contributed to five Premiership goals in 492 minutes of action.

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The 24-year-old has helped Celtic go on an impressive winning run following the winter break, with seven victories on the spin seeing the Hoops go three points clear ahead of rivals Rangers.

Labelled as ‘amazing’ by Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie, Hatate has caught the eye in Scotland, with pundit Gabby Agbonlahor believing his value has already tripled.

The Latest: O’Rourke’s comments

O’Rourke was talking to GiveMeSport regarding the midfielder’s long-term future in Glasgow. He admitted it would be ‘difficult’ for the Hoops to keep hold of Hatate due to the possible money on offer in the Premier League.

“It’s going to be difficult for Celtic to keep hold of Hatate going forward if he keeps making the impact that he is.

“And as I mentioned earlier, Celtic and Rangers can’t compete with the money that’s on offer from clubs down in England as well.”

The Verdict: No surprise

It doesn’t exactly come as a shock that Hatate is already being linked with a move away following his impressive start, and O’Rourke’s comments are a potential worry in the long run.

However, Celtic officials are under no pressure to sell with Hatate contracted at Parkhead until 2026 following his £1.38m transfer.

Hopefully, Hatate will continue his fine form in Scotland, and even though that may result in his future being discussed even further, the Hoops may well reap the rewards with success on the pitch, starting with a possible Premiership triumph.

In other news: Celtic chief makes 742-mile round scouting trip; journo now drops update on possible record move.