Celtic’s attempted swoop for Gamba Osaka midfielder Yosuke Ideguchi could be complex, according to journalist Dan Orlowitz.

The Hoops appear to be after three Japanese additions in the New Year, with Ideguchi’s name the latest rumoured following links to Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda.

Celtic have reportedly made an ‘offer’ for the former Leeds United midfielder, who is currently plying his trade with Gamba Osaka.

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The 25-year-old never played for Leeds but has made 41 appearances in 2021, with the majority of those coming in a central midfield role.

The Latest: Orlowitz’s claim

The Daily Record shared Orlowitz’s comments to Sky Sports regarding Ideguchi in a story on Tuesday afternoon.

Orlowitz had his doubts on if Ideguchi is ready to break into Ange Postecoglou’s side right now and even suggested that Ideguchi may not even qualify for a work permit in Scotland at this moment in time.

"I don't know, Ange clearly sees something in him.

"Maybe he saw the amazing goal Ideguchi scored against Australia in the final round of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup.

"But is he a player that can break into the Celtic first team right now? I don't know.

"Is he a player who can even qualify for a work permit in Scotland? That's a very open question right now.

"We don't know if he has the caps or would be able to get an exception.

"If Celtic see him as a project then, low risk high reward, if he joins and settles in well he has a lot of upside."

The Verdict: Trust Postecoglou…

Reports last month suggested that the club are working on two new midfield additions for January, so Ideguchi could be one of those alongside Hatate.

Potential work permit issues aside, the Hoops should trust Postecoglou’s judgement when it comes to a possible swoop for Ideguchi, especially after reaping the rewards of Kyogo Furuhashi's move over the summer, a player plenty of local fans and media wouldn't have known much about beforehand.

Orlowitz may have his reservations on if the midfielder could hack it in Glasgow straight away, but he does have plenty of experience for his current employers and at international level.

He can also play in an attacking role and has plenty of trophies to his name, so if Postecoglou feels Ideguchi could bring something different to Celtic’s midfield options, then the Hoops should back him.

In other news: Joseph drops huge transfer update with Celtic now set to make most-expensive signing of Ange era.