Celtic are trying to push through a deal to bring in Reo Hatate for the opening of the January window and a potential debut against Rangers.
The Japanese defender is the man Ange Postecoglou believes will solve his left-back issues and the club are hell-bent on fast-tracking the transfer.
Celtic are keen to act quickly with growing concerns over new coronavirus strains and more travel restrictions being put in place.
Hatate is out of contract with Kawasaki Frontale at the end of January but he has decided he wants to join countryman Kyogo Furuhashi in Glasgow.
Celtic have all but thrashed out terms and are confident Kawasaki Frontale won’t stand in the 24-year-old’s way of making an early move to Scotland.
The Hoops also need to get their work permit application and paperwork completed ahead of the New Year window opening.
Celtic are also aware Hatate is a Japanese under-23 cap and can play left wing-back or midfield.
The club have struggled at left-back with Greg Taylor out injured, with Boli Bolingoli also failing to win a reprieve while Postecoglou has played Josip Juranovic out-of-position on that side.
The arrival of Hatate should give his side more balance.
Celtic are also keen on Yokohama F Marinos’ Japan striker Daizen Maeda.
He has previously played under Postecoglou in Japan and would take a substantial £3million plus bid to get that deal over the line.
Celtic have also been looking at Shamrock Rovers attacker Danny Mandroiu but Irish sources believe that deal is unlikely to happen in January.
