Journalist Pete O'Rourke has shared his final verdict on the January exit chatter surrounding Celtic central midfielder Reo Hatate.

The Lowdown: Good signing

Hatate has been a great signing for Ange Postecoglou's side after joining in the January transfer window, playing 27 times in total across all competitions so far, scoring four goals and making a further five assists (Transfermarkt).

He played a key role in the second half of last season in helping the Parkhead outfit take the Scottish Premiership title back off the hands of bitter rivals Rangers, and the £1.4m that they spent on him is already looking like a bargain.

However, the all-action ace has been linked with an exit during the international break, with O'Rourke himself revealing offers may come in during the January transfer window.

The Latest: January exit?

Speaking to The Transfer Tavern, the journalist has dropped a further update, admitting that he would be 'very surprised' if the Hoops were to consider any offers in the winter window:

"I'd be very surprised if they've considered selling him in January. Ange Postecoglou has built a good squad now at Celtic, he wants to keep that squad together and then go on and try and win the Scottish title again and progress in Europe as well. Hatate is a key man in that side right now as well."

The Verdict: No need to sell

Given that Hatate has a contract with the Hoops until 2026, added to the fact that he is only 24 years of age, they should be under no pressure to sell him right now.

He is currently a key player in the team, having played in all but two games in the SPFL so far this campaign, and so it would be silly to let him go in January.

Nonetheless, given that they are in the UEFA Champions League as well as domestic cup competitions, the Bhoys will need to call on Hatate throughout the rest of the season, especially if injuries and suspensions start creeping up in midfield.