Stephen McGowan has confirmed Celtic are looking to sign Japanese defender Yuki Kabayashi after reports overnight in Japan suggested a deal was as good as done.

McGowan is no stranger to getting a Celtic scoop and clearly has sources within the club.

The Mail reporter revealed Ange has made a left sided centre back at priority with a view to capitalising on the interest shown in Celtic’s academy boy Stephen Welsh.

Yuki, 22, currently plays for Kyogo’s former side Vissel Kobe. The former Japan under 21 international has caught the eye of Ange and the Celtic scouts ahead of the January transfer window. Talks are ongoing.

If the club is looking to sell Stephen Welsh, it makes sense to act quickly and bring in another defender. The Hoops are currently sitting top of the SPFL table, four points clear of second.

It’s great to see the club are again moving quickly to make sure they have the best chance of kicking on in the second half of the season.