Celtic have been backed to secure a transfer deal for Vissel Kobe defender Yuki Kobayashi by transfer insider Dean Jones. 

The Lowdown: Celtic linked with Kobayashi

Last month, it was reported that the Hoops had opened talks with the Japanese club over potentially securing a deal for the 22-year-old in the mid-season transfer window.

Vissel Kobe, have since announced (via Daily Record) that Kobayashi is poised to join Celtic on a free transfer when his contract expires in January.

The Bhoys have a track record when it comes to signing players from Japan, with Kyogo Furuhashi, Daizen Maeda and Reo Hatate all coming to Parkhead under Ange Postecoglou's watch.

It now appears a firm possibility that Kobayashi, who missed out on Japan's World Cup squad, could be following his compatriots to Glasgow.

The Latest: January deal for Kobayashi seems likely

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones is confident that Celtic will get a deal done for Kobayashi, who he believes would be a tremendous addition to Postecoglou's squad.

The journalist said: "I think this one should go ahead, and Celtic fans should be excited by it.

"He’ll add a real steel to the squad and the team, and he can also dictate games, which is something that would be really interesting to see."

The Verdict: Could be useful for Celtic

Having made 32 appearances for his current club across their latest league campaign, Kobayashi ended the season with the third-highest number of interceptions (44) at the club, along with the fifth-highest number of successful tackles (21).

This showcases the defensive talent that he has and highlights the real steel that Jones reckons the 22-year-old could bring to Postecoglou's side.

Even though Celtic already have four centre-backs in their squad, it's clear that the Japanese defender could be a useful addition to their ranks, especially if any of their current squad members pick up injury problems.

If the Bhoys manage to being the 22-year-old to Parkhead once the winter transfer window opens, this could be a very smart prospective signing for the club.