CELTIC are closing in on Kawasaki Frontale ace Reo Hatate, according to reports.

He is a full-back, who can also play in midfield

The 23-year-old is currently contracted to Kawasaki until January 31. 

So Ange Postecoglou could make a late swoop in the upcoming window at the turn of the year.

The Aussie boss has already tapped into the J-League market having left Yokohama for Glasgow this year, with his best summer signing Kyogo Furuhashi.

So who is Hatate and what could he bring to Celtic Park should a deal go through? 

Here's everything you need to know...

Who is Reo Hatate?

He followed an unusual path to professional football - making the sizable leap from university to the J-League.

Coming through the ranks at FC Yokkaichi, he enrolled at Juntendo University after finishing school.

It would eventually see Hatate continue his football career, as he earned a call-up to the Japanese Uni team in 2017 for the Summer Universiade tournament.

His standout form at this particular event saw Kawasaki Fontale take a gamble on the player once he had graduated from his course.

He made his pro J-League debut in 2019. Since then, he has gone on to lift two titles and the Japanese Super Cup.

He is still awaiting a call-up to the full Japanese squad, however, he has featured for all the age groups up to U23 level.

What could Hatate bring to the club?

As touched on above, he is a versatile option. 

Hatate is able to play in midfield, however, he is primarily a left-back.

Kawasaki boss Toru Oniki has often used Hatate on the left-side of midfield - similar to how Postecoglou has deployed youngster Adam Montgomery.

The signing of Hatate could help solve a bit of an issue at left-back for the Hoops.

Greg Taylor has been out injured for the majority of the campaign, while Montgomery has filled in here and there, Boli Bolingoli came in from the cold for two fleeting appearances and Liam Scales has yet to fancied for a run in the first team.

He is 5ft 7 and traditionally right-footed. This could be pivotal in Postecoglou's inverted full-back system, with the defender clearly capable of cutting inside from the left touchline.

Standout stats

Hattate has scored four goals so far this season. 

He has also racked up another four assists in the Japanese top flight.

His crosses find a team-mate 13 per cent of the time, alongside an impressive passing accuracy of 86 per cent.

Hatate also works well in a high press - something Celtic are clearly looking for when recruiting players.  

He has 52 ball recoveries to his name so far this season in the opponents’ half, which shows he is willing to chase and put pressure on high up the field to win the ball back.