Reo Hatate transfer breakthrough emerges as Celtic exit moves closer

The midfielder has been linked with an exit throughout the summer after reports claimed he was keen to test himself in one of Europe’s top five leagues.

Hatate has already turned down several opportunities to leave Celtic during the window, but with time running out before the transfer deadline, his options have narrowed.

According to Japanese football journalist Kazu Kakiuchi, the 28-year-old is now nearing a move to a Championship side.

The identity of the club has not been disclosed, although West Ham have previously been credited with an interest in Hatate this summer.

Birmingham City could also attract attention given their recent history of signing Japanese players from Celtic, with Tomoki Iwata and Kyogo Furuhashi both making the move to St Andrew’s in recent seasons, although Furuhashi has since departed.

A return to Japan had also been mentioned as a possibility for Hatate, but that avenue is now said to be unlikely.

Any departure would come at a significant moment in Celtic’s midfield rebuild, with Joel van den Berg and Oliver Sorensen both set to complete moves to Glasgow.

The Hoops have often looked to balance incoming and outgoing business during the transfer window, and Hatate’s exit could create further room in Martin O’Neill’s squad for the new arrivals.