Reo Hatate on brink of new Celtic contract as breakthrough 'close' despite deadline day standoff

Reo Hatate IS set to become the latest Celtic star to commit his future to Brendan Rodgers with a new contract breakthrough reportedly on the brink.

Japan star Hatate has endured a rocky start to life at Parkhead under Rodgers and an initial spell out of the starting lineup coincided with the news that negotiations over a new deal were dragging on. Teammates Callum McGregor, Kyogo, Daizen Maeda and Liel Abada all put pen to paper over long-term extensions in the early days of Rodgers' second spell and the club wanted Hatate to sign before the transfer deadline, but a deal couldn't be reached amid interest from elsewhere in his services.

Rodgers previously admitted things had rumbled on for "a little while" and that led to fears he was on his way out. But it now appears a breakthrough is close as the Daily Mail say "positive" talks are approaching their conclusion.

It's expected Hatate will be the next player to sign a long-term extension to take his deal beyond its current 2026 expiry. He's set to become the sixth first-team star to pen a new deal since Rodgers returned after Anthony Ralston signed until 2027 on Tuesday.

Rodgers was asked last week if a new deal was in the works for Hatate and he made no secret of his intention to keep hold of him. Speaking before the 3-0 win over Dundee, where Hatate made a successful return from injury, he said: “Clearly (we want him to sign). He’s a very good player. It’s something between the club and the player. The club have been looking to tie it down for a little while. So hopefully there’s movement on that. But no update yet.”