Brendan Rodgers insists he is not aware of how close Reo Hatate is to signing a new contract at Celtic.

Earlier this week reports emerged suggesting that the Japanese midfielder was on the verge of agreeing to a long-term deal.

It's believed that Celtic officials have been in negotiations with the Japan international and his representatives for some time.

His teammates Kyogo, Daizen Maeda, Callum McGregor and Liel Abada all agreed to new contracts under Brendan Rodgers this summer.

The boss is hopeful Hatate will join them but admits he is not sure how long it may take before an announcement is made.

In his pre-Motherwell press conference, asked about the reports regarding Hatate, he said: "I haven't been made aware of that.

"I'll speak to Michael (Nicholson) later but in fairness to the club, the club has been reaching out to the agent for quite some time. But where it's at, I don't know at this point."

One player who has agreed a new contract recently is Anthony Ralston.

The right-back signed a new four-year deal on Tuesday, with the academy player committing his long-term future to his boyhood club.

"I'm really happy for him because not only is he a good player but he's a big Celtic supporter as well," Rodgers explained. "He's been here as a child and worked his way through. I obviously saw the talent when I was here the first time. I played him in some big games. 

"There were then a few seasons when it didn't quite work out for him, but he came back into the team when Ange was here and I thought he did very well. 

"For me, it's very important to have players that have come through the system because they have got the real feeling of the club there. I'm absolutely delighted that he's decided to sign up."

READ MORE: Carl Starfelt handed major honour at new club following Celtic exit

Meanwhile, Carl Starfelt has been appointed as co-captain at Celta Vigo by Rafa Benitez just over a month after signing for the La Liga club.

The 28-year-old Swedish international joined Celta in a surprise move from Celtic last month in a deal reported to be worth £4 million.