Celtic could wrap up a deal for Kawasaki Frontale’s Reo Hatate before the Hoops’ 2022 training camp, according to Kieran Devlin for The Athletic.

The Lowdown: Hatate’s heart set on move…

Hatate, who is currently on just £625 per week, is thought to have his heart set on a move to Celtic Park, with his deal up at the end of January.

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The 24-year-old recently picked up a second consecutive J1 League title but now wants to join Kyogo Furuhashi under Ange Postecoglou, and it appears as if the Hoops want to get a transfer finalised as soon as possible instead of waiting until the end of January.

The Latest: Devlin’s story

Devlin shared a story on The Athletic on Thursday looking at how Hatate could fit in should he seal a move to Scotland.

He admitted there is ‘talk’ that the Hoops may push to get the 24-year-old out of the final weeks of his current contract, meaning he would be able to join their New Year training camp when the Premiership stops for a winter break.

The Verdict: Smart thinking…

Hatate, who has scored 12 goals during his career, could prove to be a crucial member of Postecoglou’s squad due to his versatility, so looking to get a transfer completed before the New Year is a shrewd decision.

Leaving a move until the end of January would only increase the risk of Celtic missing out on the player, so even if Michael Nicholson has to get the chequebook out and pay a small fee, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Hatate can play as a left-back, on the wing or in a central or attacking midfield role, and maybe the Hoops could be about to land another fan favourite from Japan following on from Furuhashi.

In other news: Nicholson 'plans' to sell 'terrific' Celtic ace in record-breaking £25.5m deal.