Newly-promoted Leicester City are reportedly interested in signing Celtic and Japan midfielder Reo Hatate this summer, as reported by the Daily Mail.
Foxes boss Steve Cooper, appointed earlier this summer after Enzo Maresca’s departure, aims to reestablish the club’s status in the English top flight.
Leicester City were relegated from the Premier League in 2023, but a strong campaign in the Championship last season saw them bounce back up immediately.
Cooper is looking to strengthen their midfield following the exits of Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Dennis Praet, and Marc Albrighton.
While they have signed Michael Golding from Chelsea’s academy, further reinforcements are needed ahead of the new season.
Leicester City ‘Poised’ to Move for Hatate
Leicester City are contemplating a substantial offer for Celtic midfielder Hatate.
The Daily Mail claims they are considering a bid for the Japan international as Cooper seeks to enhance his midfield options.
Celtic reportedly rejected a bid from Russian side Zenit Saint Petersburg this summer, but the Foxes may now act on their interest in the player described as “sensational” by James McFadden.
While a formal offer hasn’t been made yet, the Scottish champions are reportedly aware of Premier League interest.
Hatate, 26, started his senior career in Japan before moving to Europe two years ago. He joined Celtic from J1 League side Kawasaki Frontale in 2022 and signed a contract extension last September, which runs until the summer of 2028.
The midfielder debuted for Japan in March 2022 at 24 years old and has earned nine caps so far. For Celtic, he has made 87 appearances across all competitions and scored 16 goals.
Leicester ‘Consider’ Loan Move for Doak
Leicester City might further bolster their squad by acquiring Liverpool youngster Ben Doak on loan, according to reports.
The Athletic claims the Foxes are among the Premier League clubs interested in signing the 18-year-old on loan for the 2024/25 season.
Doak joined Liverpool from Celtic as a 16-year-old and has made 10 appearances for the senior team.
However, his promising 2023/24 season was cut short by injury, leaving him sidelined for the second half of the campaign.
The article suggests Liverpool are considering a loan move for Doak to give him more first-team experience.
The youngster aims to overcome his injury issues, having been added to Scotland’s long list of absentees at Euro 2024 earlier this summer.
