Celtic midfielder Reo Hatate has been recently linked with a big-money move to English Premier League side Leicester City.
The Foxes were said to be eyeing up a bid for the midfielder, who has continually impressed throughout his time in Scotland.
Any Leicester move for Hatate would involve a substantial fee. The Japan internationalist is a standout for the Scottish champions and is contracted at the club until the summer of 2028.
Compared to Matt O’Riley, it doesn’t seem likely that Hatate will leave Celtic this summer.
There isn’t a wealth of interest in him. Leicester are the only side to have been concretely linked with the player, and their boss Steve Cooper remained coy when recently pressed on transfers.
“It’s not as clear as saying we need this position, that position”, he said (Leicestershire Live).
“We need certain profiles and certain additions of attributes we need to bring into the squad.”
City could do with a player of Hatate’s quality upon their return to England’s top flight, but it will take a sizeable sum to prize him away from Glasgow’s east end.
The 26-year-old didn’t hit dizzy heights last season amid injury struggles, but with a full campaign of fitness and consistent minutes under Rodgers this term, we could see him kick on.
