Celtic news bulletin as Andriy Lunin transfer desire revealed by Real Madrid and Reo Hatate sets bold challenge

European heavyweights Real Madrid would reportedly prefer to part with Celtic target Andriy Lunin at the end of the season.

Record Sport revealed the Ukraine international is being monitored by Brendan Rodgers' side with the hunt to find Joe Hart's long-term successor well underway. The 24-year-old was has been reduced to back-up behind Chelsea loanee Kepa after starting the first two games of the La Liga season.

But any January switch for highly-rated Lunin is complicated with No.1 Thibaut Courtois set to miss the majority of the 23/24 season. Bernabeu Digital state Madrid's wish is for the Lunin to stay in situ until the end of his contract which expires next summer. Celtic have also been credited with an interest in Liverpool's highly-rated Caomhin Kelleher, however, Jurgen Klopp is understood be loathed to let Alisson's No.2 depart with him marked to start the club's Cup games this season, as he has in recent campaigns.

Meanwhile, Reo Hatate is desperate to maintain his hot form and keep improving as he returns buoyant for a key spell at Celtic. The Japanese star burst back to peak performance prior to the international break with a goalscoring, man-of-the-match display against Kilmarnock.

Rodgers admitted it was the first time Hatate had “come alive” for him this season after a difficult start with loss of form and injury. With Brighton’s Kaoru Mitoma and Stade Reims ace Keito Nakamura absent he grabbed his opportunity for Japan when presented with a start against Tunisia.

Hatate created a host of chances for his team and set up an opener for Hoops pal Kyogo Furuhashi in the 2-0 victory, putting him firmly in the thoughts of coach Hajime Moriyasu for the start of the World Cup 2026 qualification next month.