The Reo Hatate Celtic to Brighton transfer theory already has an answer as Caicedo's £20m successor ticks vital box

Swirling rumours that Reo Hatate could swap Celtic for Brighton this summer have refused to go away this summer.

And the speculation has only gathered pace as Moises Caicedo edges closer to a move to Chelsea leaving Roberto de Zebri searching for a successor to his key midfielder. Speculation initially ramped up over a move to the Amex Stadium towards the end of last season when he missed out on Celtic’s title celebrations with the fans - with speculation ramping up that he was visiting pal Kaoru Mitoma in Brighton.

Hatate would go on to rubbish that theory - but has admitted he is dreaming of a move to the English Premier League in the future should he leave the Scottish Premiership champions. Brendan Rodgers has told the Japan international he will have to fight for his starting spot at Celtic this term with David Turnbull handed a chance at the start of the new campaign, and reports have suggested Hatate has been considered as a replacement for Caicedo by Brighton.

But boss De Zebri appears to have already made his decision on the replacement for Stamford Bridge bound midfielder. He has stated he is looking for a midfielder enforcer - that does not appear to fit Hatate's profile. After the opening day victory over Luton, he stated: "We need another midfielder if Caicedo leaves. And for me he can leave. We need another midfielder with the same characteristics and the same importance because in the Premier League in midfield positions sometimes you need more kilograms, more impact.”

The top holding midfield target appears to be Lille star Carlos Baleba. Transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano claims that the Premier League side and Ligue 1 outfit are in talks over the 19-year-old.

A fee in the region of £20million is