Reo Hatate’s Celtic future in focus as Premier League outfit consider offer

Add as preferred source on Google

Celtic are gearing up for their Scottish Premiership opener against Kilmarnock this weekend, though they also have plenty of dealings on the transfer front to attend to.

The Bhoys finished their pre-season tour of the United States with three impressive victories against DC United, Manchester City and Chelsea, registering 12 goals in the process.

Now, they have returned to Parkhead with all focus on Flag Day this Sunday. Brendan Rodgers will be reliant on big hitters such as Matt O’Riley, Reo Hatate and Kyogo Furuhashi to unlock a stubborn Kilmarnock outfit.

Despite goalkeeping duo Kasper Schmeichel and Viljami Sinisalo settling in nicely Stateside, Celtic are yet to make an outfield signing, something that will hopefully change by kick-off. Paulo Bernardo may break that duck after agreeing terms over a move from Benfica.

Nevertheless, his prospective capture isn’t the only movement in the Hoops engine room this window, which may come as a concern amid recent reports.

Leicester City eye up Reo Hatate

According to The Daily Mail, Premier League outfit Leicester City are said to be ‘weighing up a big-money offer’ for Celtic star Hatate this summer.

Steve Cooper is keen to add more creative intuition to his midfield in the window, and the Japan international fits the bill as they return to the English top flight.

No bid has yet been submitted for his services as of yet; nevertheless, Celtic are aware that the Foxes have designs on bringing Hatate to the King Power Stadium.

Zenit St Petersburg saw an approach for the former Kawasaki Frontale man rebuffed earlier this month. Rodgers would be extremely unlikely to entertain a sale if his positional counterpart O’Riley is to leave this summer amid interest from Atalanta and Southampton.

With Celtic in an encouraging position to build on their domestic domination and make inroads in the Champions League, Hatate shouldn’t be sold under any circumstances. Either way, only time will tell regarding where his future lies.