Celtic reporter Kieran Devlin has had his say on rumours linking the Hoops with a move for Kawasaki Frontale’s Reo Hatate.

The Lowdown: Talks with agent…

Ange Postecoglou had success in the J1 League market over the summer by bringing Kyogo Furuhashi to Parkhead. The forward has already scored 11 times in green and white, and it seems as if Hatate could join him in Scotland.

Recent reports from Football Scotland have claimed that Celtic have begun talks with Hatate’s agent over a winter window move.

The 5 foot 6 Japan international, on €38,000-a-year (around £625-a-week), is out of contract at the end of January.

The Hoops could pay a small fee for his services at the beginning of the January window or wait until he’s a free agent, and Devlin has been giving his thoughts on the links.

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The Latest: Devlin reacts

Devlin ran a Q&A on The Athletic on Thursday ahead of Celtic’s game with Ferencvaros.

He was quizzed on Hatate, to which he said:

“Reports do look credible (and looks a good player at first glance). Been playing at left-back this season, which Celtic naturally need to strengthen, but is traditionally left-winger that can deputise at No. 10. Will do more research on him during the international break.”

The Verdict: Over to Nicholson…

With no director of football or head of recruitment in place, you’d expect a move for Hatate will be down to interim CEO Michael Nicholson.

He’ll have two options when pursuing Hatate over the coming months, one of which could be a gamble.

Nicholson may decide to pay an upfront fee to Kawasaki Frontale in order to ensure Postecoglou gets his man, however, he could also hold fire and wait for his deal to expire.

That could be a risk and may allow any other interested parties to snatch a transfer from under Celtic’s nose, so it’ll be one to keep a close eye on.

In other news: 'Fantastic' colossus says he'd 'love' to join Celtic; Pochettino rates him.