Celtic have granted Bologna permission to discuss a move with Rocco Vata, according to reports.

It's claimed Parkhead chiefs have allowed talks between Vata's representatives and Bologna.

Sky Sports reporter Anthony Joseph states discussions are underway.

However, it's not yet known whether a transfer deal will be struck or whether Vata could be landed on a pre-contract by the Serie A side.

On X, formerly Twitter, he wrote: "Celtic have granted Bologna permission to speak to forward Rocco Vata. Talks are now ongoing.

"The Serie A club are exploring a permanent transfer in this window, as well as a pre-contract agreement."

Should Vata leave Celtic on a pre-contract then the club would be entitled to compensation. It's reported the fee would be in the region of £343,000.

READ MORE: Yosuke Ideguchi departs Celtic for Vissel Kobe on permanent deal

The 18-year-old is under contract at Celtic until May - however, we previously reported that no new deal has been offered to the teenager at Parkhead.

A Republic of Ireland under-21 international - Vata has featured for the Celtic first-team. But he hasn't played this season for Brendan Rodgers.

His debut came last season off the bench in a 4-0 win over Hibs back in December 2022. Vata then featured three more times under Ange Postecoglou.

Meanwhile, Japan manager Hajime Moriyasu admitted it was "really painful" to snub Celtic hero Kyogo Furuhashi for this month's Asian Cup.

The Hoops ace was a shock omission for their squad for the tournament, with Parkhead teammates Reo Hatate and Daizen Maeda both included.

He said: "It was extremely difficult. It's just really painful to make decisions like these."