Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate is close to agreeing a contract extension at the club, according to a report.
The midfielder has been a terrific performer during his 21-month stay so far in Scotland. That form has led to significant transfer speculation in recent times, with the summer proving to be a tough one for the Japan international.
Hoops manager Brendan Rodgers has already described the period as “challenging” for Hatate, but says things will calm down now that the transfer window is closed.
Celtic are known to be in negotiations with Hatate about a contract renewal after talks were initially postponed during the summer.
Now Hoops supporters have received the update they wanted to hear from the Daily Mail’s reliable reporter Stephen McGowan.
McGowan, who has been first to all of the Hatate contract developments, says Celtic are “close to agreement” about an extension with the former Kawasaki Frontale man. (Daily Mail)
McGowan says talks, which started a fortnight ago, have been described as “positive”. Hatate’s representatives “expect to receive final confirmation of the offer” from Celtic in the coming days.
It’s been a busy old summer of contract renewals at the club. Hatate’s compatriots Kyogo Furuhashi and Daizen Maeda have already signed extensions, as well as Callum McGregor and Liel Abada.
A four-year deal for Anthony Ralston was also announced by the club on Tuesday. (Celtic)
Giving his undoubted quality, signing Hatate up would be really good news for us all. It wouldn’t necessarily mean he’d be likely to stay longer — an exit next summer still looks like the most probable eventuality. However, this would offer us more protection and mean that we could demand a higher fee.
It would also be a big boost for everyone at the club, not least the player who is still getting up to speed this season.
In other news, Celtic set for much-improved Madrid allocation but it still may not be enough
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