Celtic signing Yokohama F. Marinos midfielder Tomoki Iwata for £828,000 in January would be ‘a steal’, according to journalist Sacha Pisani.

The Lowdown: Iwata deal complete?

The Japan international still has just over two years remaining on his contract in the J1 League but has been put on a shortlist of targets by Hoops manager Ange Postecoglou after showing impressive form under Kevin Muscat.

The Premiership champions have reportedly completed a deal to sign the 25-year-old over the last 48 hours for an initial loan fee of £828,000 with an option to buy included, although the club are yet to make any official announcement.

The Latest: Pisani’s reaction

Taking to Twitter, Pisani reacted to claims that Iwata would play second fiddle to Callum McGregor at Celtic should he sign, suggesting that the Japanese ace would be a bargain purchase for the Hoops.

He wrote: “Central midfield and at the fee being talked about, it’s a steal!”

The Verdict: Potential advantage?

Celtic will already have a strong relationship with Marinos considering that’s where both Postecoglou and Daizen Maeda came from, so this could be an advantage when it comes to securing Iwata.

The Oita native is more of a defensive midfielder, which is shown in his numbers, having made a remarkable 97 recoveries and 51 tackles this calendar year (J League official website).

The Bhoys target has also posted seven goal contributions during his time at the Nissan Stadium, and this ability to impact the game at both ends of the pitch makes him an excellent prospective signing.