Celtic have reopened fresh contract talks with Reo Hatate as the club look to secure the services of the talented midfielder on a long-term deal. The 25-year-old had asked that the talks would be paused until the transfer window closed as he assessed his options.

According to Daily Mail’s Stephen McGowan, Celtic have respected the player’s wishes and are now looking to get the player to sign a new deal that would see the club’s value protected while rewarding the Japanese Internationalist with improved terms.

Since arriving from Kawasaki Frontale in January 2021, Hatate has gone onto make 68 appearances for the club scoring 13 goals and assisting 14 times. The creativity that Hatate brings to the midfield is unique, especially when working in beside Callum McGregor and Matt O’Riley.

Hatate was a second-half substitute in the win at Aberdeen but injured his hamstring, resulting in a layoff as he missed the games against Kilmarnock, St Johnstone and Rangers.

After Brendan Rodgers returned to the club to replace Ange Postecoglou this summer, Celtic have been tying down some of their stars to protect their values. Daizen Maeda, Kyogo, McGregor and Liel Abada have all penned new deals as they look to improve under the Irishman.