Celtic are nearing a contract extension with Reo Hatate, their talented midfielder. The club initiated fresh negotiations a fortnight ago, and the talks have been progressing well, according to Stephen McGowan of MailSport.

Hatate’s representatives anticipate a formal offer from Celtic in the near future.

Hatate, whose current contract runs until 2026, was targeted by the Scottish champions to extend his stay, alongside Liel Abada, before the transfer window shut.

However, due to interest from clubs abroad, Hatate chose to pause the discussions until the transfer period ended. Some thought Reo could be signalling his intent to move away in the not too distant future, now he looks set to join a whole raft of Celtic players who have committed their long term future to the club.

Now back in action after recovering from a calf injury incurred during a 3-1 victory over Aberdeen, Hatate has been featured in the starting eleven in matches against Dundee, Feyenoord, and Livingston.

You can tell Hatate is not quite back to his best, however, when he’s fully up to speed, he is Celtic’s most effective and dynamic midfielder.