Celtic have started negotiations regarding a deal to bring Reo Hatate to Parkhead in the January transfer window.

What's the talk?

That's according to a report by the Daily Record, who claimed that the Bhoys' acting chief executive Michael Nicholson has initiated talks regarding a move for the Kawasaki Frontale left-back, who will become a free agent upon the expiry of his current contract with the J-League side on January 31.

A further report by the Daily Record suggested that the 23-year-old's move to Celtic could all but be confirmed, as the defender appeared to be bidding fans an emotional goodbye during his team's recent title celebrations in Japan.

He's what Celtic are missing

While the emergence of 19-year-old Adam Montgomery and the impressive form of right-back Josip Juranovic playing out of position on the left have somewhat covered for Greg Taylor's long-term injury at left-back, the fact remains that the position is something of a problem area for Ange Postecoglou.

Considering just how impressive Hatate has been for Kawasaki Frontale this season, the 23-year-old would appear to be exactly the type of player Celtic are missing on the left-hand side of their backline.

Indeed, over his 26 J-League appearances this term, the £720k-rated left-back scored four goals, registered two assists and created three big chances for his teammates, as well as taking 1.9 shots and making one key pass per game.

The player who Opta analyst Sacha Pisani claimed "has a rocket of a left foot" also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, averaging 1.4 interceptions, 1.4 tackles and 52.3 passes and winning 5.5 duels per match.

As such, with Hatate seemingly a defender equally as adept going forwards as he is solid at the back, he would indeed appear to make a fantastic prospective addition to the Celtic squad this January, particularly on a free transfer.

In other news: Forget Jota & Kyogo: "Quality" Celtic gem who made five key passes ran the show on Thursday