Celtic are "closing in" on a new deal for Reo Hatate, according to fresh reports.

The midfielder, who is contracted to the club until the summer of 2026, has had a mixed start to the season, recently recovering from an injury that kept him out of the side for over a month. Prior to this, he was benched in favour of David Turnbull, though he has started the last two games in the Champions League and Scottish Premiership respectively.

However, The Daily Mail reported last night that discussions between Hatate's representatives and the club have been "positive", and that a deal may be agreed in the coming days.

Hatate has been a revelation since joining Celtic from Kawasaki Frontale in his native Japan. He made his debut against Hibernian, putting in a Man of the Match display on his very first appearance for the club. He followed this up with a thunderous strike against Hearts at Tynecastle, before stealing the show against Rangers with two goals and an assist, as Celtic defeated their rivals 3-0.

Last season, he made 45 appearances in all competitions for Celtic, scoring nine goals and assisting a further 11, as he cemented his place in Ange Postecoglou's treble-winning side.

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This contract extension talk comes off the back of another positive development, as right-back Anthony Ralston was the latest player to pledge his long-term future to the club.

The 24-year-old - who also has Postecoglou to thank for his breakthrough into the first team - put pen to paper on a contract renewal lasting until summer 2027, an extension of four years. Ralston, who made his debut under Brendan Rodgers during his first stint at the club, was delighted to extend his stay at the club he has supported for his whole life.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted, and it’s a great feeling to sign with your boyhood club on a new contract. It never gets old, that feeling of being able to put pen to paper to secure your future where you want to be. Essentially, this is where I want to play my football and it’s another proud moment in my career.'

“I just put my head down every day and worked hard since I signed my last contract two years ago and it’s just been a case of going in, getting work done, doing my best for the team and helping to bring success."

Join Ryan McGinlay and Tino from The Celtic Exchange, as they discuss the latest Celtic news and developments in Wednesday's morning briefing below.